The bill H. 3616 aims to amend Section 44-63-74 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically regarding the medical certification of cause of death. It mandates that hospitals must provide the cause of death to the deceased patient's family before the body is released and prior to the completion of any required discharge processes. This requirement is intended to ensure that families are informed about the cause of death in a timely manner.

Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for physicians and hospitals that fail to comply with these requirements. A physician who does not certify the cause of death within forty-eight hours or a hospital that does not provide the cause of death to the family may face administrative penalties. The Department of Health will notify the Board of Medical Examiners if a penalty is imposed on a physician, with each day of non-compliance counted as an additional violation. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 44-63-74
Latest Version: 44-63-74