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 continuing education course on human trafficking awareness and prevention. This course must be completed before 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 course will cover identifying suspected trafficking victims, laws for reporting them, and providing care and support to potential victims.

The bill introduces new sections to the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically Section 40-33-31 for nurses, Section 40-47-39 for physicians, and Section 40-47-953 for physician assistants. Each section outlines the requirements for the human trafficking awareness course, including that it must be provided by approved continuing education providers and must include specific instructional content. The State Board of Nursing and the State Board of Medical Examiners are tasked with adopting rules to implement these new training requirements. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

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