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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-47-195 SO AS TO REQUIRE A SURGEON TO CONDUCT A POSTMORTEM EXAMINATION ON A PATIENT WHO DIES DURING A SURGICAL PROCEDURE AND TO FILE A REPORT WITH THE COUNTY CORONER WITHIN SEVENTY-TWO HOURS OF THE PATIENT'S DEATH; AND TO PROVIDE THAT A SURGEON'S LICENSE MUST BE SUSPENDED IF HE OR SHE FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THIS SECTION.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Article 1, Chapter 47, Title 40 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 40-47-195. (A) If a patient dies during a surgical procedure, the surgeon shall conduct a postmortem examination of the decedent and file a report with the county coroner within seventy-two hours of the patient's death.
(B) The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners shall suspend the license of a surgeon who violates subsection (A) in accordance with the following:
(1) six months for a first violation;
(2) one year for a second violation;
(3) five years for a third or subsequent violation."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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