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. This new authority is contingent upon meeting specific criteria, such as completing 2,000 clinical hours, having malpractice insurance, and obtaining board approval. The bill introduces a new section, 40-33-31, and makes conforming changes to existing definitions and requirements related to nursing practice, thereby streamlining the regulatory framework for APRNs and enhancing their role in the healthcare system.

In addition to establishing full practice authority, the bill mandates biennial audits of practice agreements and requires licensees without full practice authority to notify the board of any changes in practice settings or physicians within fifteen business days. It outlines the application process for nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and clinical nurse specialists seeking prescriptive authority, including education requirements in pharmacotherapeutics. The bill also addresses telemedicine provisions, allowing APRNs to perform medical acts via telehealth under a practice agreement, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining medical records and adhering to care standards. 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