The bill S. 930 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by introducing new sections that define terms and establish procedures for calculating medical expenses in damage awards. Specifically, it adds Section 15-32-710, which defines key terms such as "health insurance," "health care provider," and "letter of protection." Additionally, Section 15-32-720 outlines the plaintiff's burden of proof in civil actions for health care damages, detailing the types of evidence that can be presented to establish the amount of damages. This section also mandates certain disclosures from the plaintiff regarding their health care expenses and any arrangements made with health care providers.
Furthermore, the bill explicitly states the intent of the General Assembly to abrogate the common law collateral source rule to allow the introduction of evidence related to health care expenses. It clarifies that the plaintiff must provide comprehensive information about their health care treatment, including any agreements with health care providers and the involvement of insurance. The bill also ensures that the rights of both plaintiffs and defendants to challenge the reasonableness of health care expenses remain intact. Overall, this legislation seeks to create a more structured approach to determining medical expenses in legal claims, enhancing transparency and accountability in the process.
Statutes affected: 02/17/2026: 15-32-710, 15-32-720
02/18/2026: 15-32-710, 15-32-720
Latest Version: 15-32-710, 15-32-720