Bill > H4262

This bill seeks to prohibit healthcare professionals in South Carolina from administering synthetic mRNA-based gene therapies, primarily targeting vaccines like those used for COVID-19, based on concerns about potential health risks. The legislation defines synthetic mRNA-based gene therapies as medical products that introduce foreign genetic material into human cells to produce a medical effect, and specifically applies to mRNA technologies intended to prevent or mitigate communicable disease transmission. Healthcare professionals who violate this prohibition would face a mandatory minimum one-year license suspension, with potential additional penalties determined by their professional licensing board. The bill provides exceptions for mRNA therapies treating non-infectious diseases like genetic conditions or cancer, traditional vaccines, FDA-authorized recombinant vaccines, and FDA-authorized genetic therapies not using synthetic mRNA technology. The legislation stems from concerns about potential long-term health risks, including possible genomic modifications, inadequate safety studies, undisclosed contaminants, and potential transmission of side effects through "shedding." Professional licensing boards are required to report any violations to the Department of Public Health, which must maintain records for at least seven years and provide annual reports to the General Assembly. The act would take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Health and Social Services

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4262&session=126&summary=B