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 introduces Section 40-47-937, allowing PAs with significant postgraduate clinical experience to practice based on an attestation statement that outlines their authorized medical and surgical acts. Additionally, Section 40-47-939 permits PAs licensed in other jurisdictions to provide emergency care in South Carolina under specific conditions while limiting their liability. The bill also proposes changes to the State Board of Medical Examiners' composition, increasing the number of members to include two PAs, and revises definitions and requirements related to PA practice, including mandatory third-party reimbursement under certain conditions.

Further amendments clarify the roles and responsibilities of PAs, including the delegation of tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) and the establishment of written scope of practice guidelines for supervising physicians. The bill specifies conditions for PAs to prescribe medications, including controlled substances, and outlines disciplinary actions for misconduct. It also ensures that payment for services rendered by PAs is treated equally to those provided by physicians, prohibiting insurance companies from imposing more restrictive requirements on PAs. Overall, S. 44 aims to modernize the regulatory framework for PAs, enhance their scope of practice, and ensure better integration into South Carolina's healthcare system.

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