The bill H. 3579 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to improve the regulation and practice of physician assistants (PAs). 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 matters. The bill also updates definitions related to medical practice, including "practice agreement" and "telemedicine," and emphasizes the need for a proper physician-patient relationship before prescribing medications.

Moreover, the bill outlines the responsibilities of PAs, including the delegation of tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) under supervision, and specifies that PAs must operate within their written scope of practice. It establishes grounds for misconduct, such as misrepresentation and unethical conduct, and details the disciplinary actions the Board may impose, including license revocation or suspension. The bill also addresses the role of PAs in school settings, particularly regarding the management of student athletes with suspected concussions, requiring written medical clearance for return to play. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the regulatory framework for PAs, enhance patient safety, and improve healthcare access in South Carolina.

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