Healthcare providers in South Carolina face a distinct and evolving regulatory environment. From the recent restructuring of state agencies to specific mandates for prescriptions and procedures, staying compliant is complex. Compass Healthcare Consulting provides tailored support, helping practices from the Upstate to the Lowcountry navigate these rules efficiently.
Key South Carolina Compliance Requirements
SC’s regulations demand careful attention to detail. Critical areas include:
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Prescription Monitoring: Mandatory registration with and use of the SCRIPTS database before prescribing any controlled substances.
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AED Protocols: Programs must have a trained liaison, defined user training, approved CPR protocols, and strict equipment maintenance.
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Non-Physician Operators: Procedures like laser treatments require direct physician supervision, detailed safety plans, and specific patient consent for non-MD operators.
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Practice Agreements: Nurse practitioners and physician assistants must have detailed agreements covering annual reviews, prescriptive authority, and telemedicine practices.
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Medical Waste: Treatment facilities must return completed manifests to generators within 50 days of pickup.
Understanding South Carolina’s Regulatory Agencies
A major 2024 shift redefined the state’s health oversight. The former Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) was replaced by two new entities:
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The Department of Public Health (DPH)
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The Department of Environmental Services
This change impacts how providers interact with the state on public health matters. Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) continues to administer Medicaid, working with managed care plans like Healthy Blue, Absolute Total Care, and Molina Healthcare.
Expert Compliance Support for SC Practices
Compass Healthcare Consulting offers targeted services to meet South Carolina’s specific challenges.
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Medical Billing & Coding Reviews: Our deep-dive audits identify state-specific denial trends and high-risk areas, protecting your revenue and ensuring coding aligns with payer requirements.
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Risk Assessment & Compliance Support: We conduct on-site evaluations for multi-location practices, providing actionable plans to mitigate regulatory and business risks unique to South Carolina’s landscape.
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M&A Due Diligence: Our merger and acquisition support includes thorough reviews of revenue integrity and technology systems, ensuring a compliant and strategic transition for your practice.
Partner with a consultant who knows South Carolina. Compass provides the localized expertise and national perspective needed to optimize your operations, ensure compliance, and secure your practice’s future.
