Bill > H3616

This bill amends South Carolina law to require hospitals to provide the cause of a patient's death to the patient's family before releasing the body and completing discharge processes. Specifically, the legislation modifies existing regulations around medical certifications of death, mandating that hospitals must inform the family about the cause of death for transmission to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. The bill maintains the existing 48-hour timeframe for physicians to complete death certifications, and introduces potential administrative penalties for hospitals and physicians who fail to comply with these requirements. If a physician does not certify the cause of death within 48 hours or a hospital does not inform the family of the cause of death, they may be subject to penalties, and in the case of physicians, the Board of Medical Examiners will be notified. The law takes effect upon the Governor's approval, aiming to improve transparency and communication with families during the difficult process of losing a loved one by ensuring they are promptly informed about the medical cause of death.

Health and Social Services

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3616&session=126&summary=B