The bill H. 3579 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to improve the regulation and practice of physician assistants (PAs) in the state. It introduces provisions that allow PAs with substantial postgraduate clinical experience to practice based on an attestation statement regarding their authorized medical and surgical acts. Additionally, the bill permits PAs licensed in other states to provide emergency care in South Carolina under certain conditions, while limiting their liability. The composition of the State Board of Medical Examiners will be modified to include two PAs, ensuring their representation in regulatory decisions. The bill also clarifies definitions, revises prescription writing requirements, and expands the duties of PAs, while mandating that third-party payers cannot impose more restrictive practice requirements on them.

Moreover, the bill establishes guidelines for the delegation of tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) under the supervision of a physician or PA, and it specifies the types of tasks that can be delegated. It emphasizes the need for a proper physician-patient relationship before initial prescriptions can be made, while allowing exceptions for telemedicine consultations. The bill also outlines the grounds for misconduct for PAs, including misrepresentation and unethical conduct, and details the disciplinary actions that may be taken against them. Additionally, it mandates that PAs be identified as the rendering professionals in billing processes and expands the definition of "healthcare practitioner" to include PAs authorized to prescribe medication. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the operational framework for PAs, ensuring patient safety and compliance with legal standards.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 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
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