The bill H. 3580 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to grant Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) full practice authority under specific conditions, including the completion of 2,000 clinical hours and possession of malpractice insurance. This new section, 40-33-31, allows APRNs to perform medical acts independently without the need for a practice agreement, marking a significant change from the current law that requires such 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.

In addition to establishing full practice authority for qualified APRNs, 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 within fifteen business days. It outlines specific educational requirements for nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and clinical nurse specialists seeking prescriptive authority, including continuing education and renewal every two years. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of APRNs regarding medication prescribing, including limitations on controlled substances, and addresses the practice of anesthesia by certified registered nurse anesthetists. Furthermore, it allows APRNs to perform medical acts via telemedicine and emphasizes the importance of maintaining compliant medical records.

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