The bill H. 3580 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to grant Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) full practice authority, allowing them to perform medical acts independently without the need for a practice agreement, provided they meet specific criteria such as completing 2,000 clinical hours and having malpractice insurance. This change represents a significant departure from the current law, which requires practice agreements for many medical acts. The bill also includes conforming changes to existing definitions and requirements related to nursing practice and the delegation of tasks to unlicensed personnel, aiming to streamline the regulatory framework for APRNs and enhance healthcare access in South Carolina.

Additionally, the bill mandates biennial random audits of practice agreements and requires licensees without full practice authority to notify the Board of Nursing of any changes in practice settings or physicians within fifteen business days. It outlines the requirements for nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and clinical nurse specialists seeking prescriptive authority, including educational hours in pharmacotherapeutics and controlled substances, with a renewal requirement every two years. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of APRNs regarding medication prescribing, including limitations on controlled substances and provisions for telemedicine practices, while reinforcing the importance of compliant practice agreements and the roles of licensed nurses in medication administration. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 40-33-31, 40-33-20, 40-33-34, 40-33-42, 40-33-110
Latest Version: 40-33-31, 40-33-20, 40-33-34, 40-33-42, 40-33-110