The bill H. 4343 aims to enhance human trafficking awareness and prevention training for healthcare professionals in South Carolina. It mandates that licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses (excluding certified registered nurse anesthetists), physicians, and physician assistants complete a one-hour human trafficking awareness and prevention course as part of their continuing education requirements for license renewal, reinstatement, or reactivation. The course must be completed by January 1, 2028, for those licensed before January 1, 2026, and within two years of initial licensure for those licensed on or after that date. The training will cover identifying suspected trafficking victims, laws for reporting them, and providing care and support to potential victims.

The bill specifies that the human trafficking awareness and prevention courses must be provided by approved continuing education providers and outlines the responsibilities of the State Board of Nursing and the State Board of Medical Examiners in implementing these requirements. The provisions of the bill will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
04/09/2025: 40-33-31, 40-47-39, 40-47-953
05/01/2025: 40-33-31, 40-47-39, 40-47-953
05/05/2025: 40-33-31, 40-47-39, 40-47-953
05/06/2025: 40-33-31, 40-47-39, 40-47-953
Latest Version: 40-33-31, 40-47-39, 40-47-953