The bill S. 44 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to improve the regulation and practice of physician assistants (PAs) in the state. It allows PAs with specific postgraduate clinical experience to practice based on an attestation statement, thereby broadening their scope of practice. The bill also permits certain PAs licensed in other jurisdictions to provide emergency care in South Carolina under specific conditions while limiting their liability. Additionally, it revises the composition of the State Board of Medical Examiners to include two PAs, ensuring their representation in regulatory matters. Other amendments include updates to definitions related to medical practice, clarification of PAs' authorized acts and duties, and the establishment of guidelines for writing prescriptions.

Moreover, the bill prohibits third-party payers from imposing more restrictive practice requirements on PAs than those established by law and includes PAs in concussion protocols for student athletes. It also outlines the responsibilities of supervising physicians and the delegation of tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). The bill emphasizes the need for proper physician-practitioner-patient relationships before prescribing medications and sets forth requirements for physicians working with PAs and other medical professionals. Overall, the amendments aim to modernize the regulatory framework for PAs, enhance their roles in healthcare delivery, and ensure patient safety and compliance with legal standards.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 40-47-937, 40-47-939, 40-47-10, 40-47-20, 40-47-113, 40-47-195, 40-47-196, 40-47-910, 40-47-915, 40-47-935, 40-47-965, 40-47-1000, 40-47-1005, 40-47-1020, 44-80-120, 44-99-10, 59-63-75, 59-63-95
12/11/2024-A: 40-47-937, 40-47-939, 40-47-10, 40-47-20, 40-47-113, 40-47-195, 40-47-196, 40-47-910, 40-47-915, 40-47-935, 40-47-965, 40-47-1000, 40-47-1005, 40-47-1020, 44-80-120, 44-99-10, 59-63-75, 59-63-95
Latest Version: 40-47-937, 40-47-939, 40-47-10, 40-47-20, 40-47-113, 40-47-195, 40-47-196, 40-47-910, 40-47-915, 40-47-935, 40-47-965, 40-47-1000, 40-47-1005, 40-47-1020, 44-80-120, 44-99-10, 59-63-75, 59-63-95