Bill > H3254

This bill amends South Carolina's medical licensure law to provide the State Board of Medical Examiners with more flexibility in evaluating physician licensing requirements. Specifically, the bill expands existing provisions that allow examination waivers, adding a new provision that permits the board to waive additional examination requirements for applicants who can demonstrate sufficient general medical knowledge to practice competently. Currently, examination waivers are automatically granted for physicians working in specific state departments like Corrections, Health and Environmental Control, Mental Health, Disabilities and Special Needs, and Vocational Rehabilitation's Disability Determination Services Unit. The new provision allows the board to use its discretion to waive examination requirements for other applicants, requiring the board to make formal findings about the applicant's education and experience when doing so. A license issued under this waiver for a specific department position remains immediately invalid if the physician leaves that position or works outside its defined scope. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval, providing the medical licensing board with enhanced ability to assess physician qualifications beyond standard examination requirements.

Health and Social Services

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3254&session=126&summary=B