H 5056  General Bill, By Forrest, McCravy and Howard
 A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5
 TO CHAPTER 30, TITLE 44 SO AS TO REQUIRE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS TO NOTIFY
 CERTAIN AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUALS IF A PATIENT IS AT RISK OF HARMING HIMSELF OR
 OTHERS.

   03/01/22  House  Introduced and read first time (House Journal-page 25)
   03/01/22  House  Referred to Committee on Medical, Military,
                     Public and Municipal Affairs (House Journal-page 25)

TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 30, TITLE 44 SO AS TO REQUIRE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS TO NOTIFY CERTAIN AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUALS IF A PATIENT IS AT RISK OF HARMING HIMSELF OR OTHERS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Chapter 30, Title 44 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

    Section 44-30-510.    For purposes of this article:

    (1)    'Health care professional' means a physician, physician's assistant, dentist, dental hygienist, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, podiatrist, chiropractor, or licensed massage therapist, practicing or licensed to practice in South Carolina, and a receptionist or any other employee or licensed health professional working in the offices of a health care professional.

    (2)    'Physician' means a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine licensed by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners.

    Section 44-30-520.    A health care professional has an affirmative duty to report to a family member or other individual authorized by the patient, as documented in the patient's health care record, to be notified of patient health information if, in the health care professional's opinion, the patient may be a person with a mental illness, as defined in Section 44-23-10, and because of this condition there is the likelihood of serious harm, as defined in Section 44-23-10."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.