South Carolina expands nurse practitioners' practice scope to enhance rural healthcare access

The South Carolina Senate convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss various legislative matters, with a notable focus on the impact of past legislation on healthcare delivery in the state.

The session began with a reflection on the significant changes made in 2018 regarding the practice scope of nurse practitioners. A senator highlighted that prior to this legislation, nurse practitioners were limited to providing medical services at only 70% of their training capabilities. The outdated practice act restricted them from operating beyond a 45-mile radius from their supervising physician, a regulation that was deemed impractical in the modern era of telemedicine and mobile communication.

The senator emphasized that the 2018 legislation, supported by the Center for Lauren, allowed nurse practitioners to practice to their full competency across South Carolina. This change has been particularly beneficial in rural areas, where access to primary healthcare has historically been limited. The senator noted a marked increase in nurse practitioners serving these communities, providing essential care to individuals who previously relied on emergency rooms for their healthcare needs.

In recognition of the contributions of nurses, the senator urged attendees to express their gratitude to the nurses present at the Statehouse, acknowledging their vital role in the healthcare system.

Following this discussion, the meeting moved on to address other agenda items, including petitions and memorials, although no specific details were provided in the transcript regarding these topics.

Overall, the session underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility in South Carolina and the importance of recognizing the contributions of healthcare professionals.