South Carolina General Assembly
112th Session, 1997-1998
Journal of the Senate

Tuesday, February 17, 1998
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 12:00 Noon, the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by Senator J. VERNE SMITH.

Point of Quorum

Senator GIESE made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

Senator GIESE moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the call:

Alexander                 Anderson                  Branton
Bryan                     Cork                      Courson
Courtney                  Drummond                  Elliott
Fair                      Ford                      Giese
Glover                    Gregory                   Grooms
Hayes                     Holland                   Hutto
Jackson                   Land                      Lander
Leatherman                Leventis                  Martin
Matthews                  McConnell                 McGill
Mescher                   Moore                     O'Dell
Patterson                 Peeler                    Rankin
Ravenel                   Reese                     Russell
Ryberg                    Saleeby                   Setzler
Smith, J. Verne           Thomas                    Waldrep
Wilson                    

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Presence Recorded

Senator SHORT recorded her presence subsequent to the Call of the Senate.

The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

November 7, 1997
Mr. President and Members of the Senate:
I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the "advice and consent of the Senate," and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,
David M. Beasley

Statewide Appointment

Initial Appointment, Mining Council, with term to commence June 30, 1994, and to expire June 30, 1998:
Mining Industry:
Mr. Donald A. Babb, Post Office Box 15421, Surfside Beach, S.C. 29587 VICE Jack Eric Danel (resigned)

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

December 4, 1997
Mr. President and Members of the Senate:
I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the "advice and consent of the Senate," and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,
David M. Beasley

Statewide Appointment

Reappointment, Mining Council, with term to commence June 30, 1998, and to expire June 30, 2002:
Mining Industry:
Mr. Donald A. Babb, Post Office Box 15421, Surfside Beach, S.C. 29587

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Doctor of the Day

Senator FAIR introduced Dr. Donald Gregg of Greenville, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator MATTHEWS, at 1:00 P.M., Senator WASHINGTON was granted a leave of absence until 3:00 P.M.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator PATTERSON rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator LAND rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Motion to Ratify Adopted

At 12:50 P.M., Senator DRUMMOND asked unanimous consent to make a motion to invite the House of Representatives to attend the Senate Chamber for the purpose of ratifying Acts at 1:00 P.M.
There was no objection and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 1032 (Word version) -- Senators J. Verne Smith, Alexander, Anderson, Branton, Bryan, Cork, Courson, Courtney, Drummond, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Giese, Glover, Gregory, Grooms, Hayes, Holland, Hutto, Jackson, Land, Lander, Leatherman, Leventis, Martin, Matthews, McConnell, McGill, Mescher, Moore, O'Dell, Passailaigue, Patterson, Peeler, Rankin, Ravenel, Reese, Russell, Ryberg, Saleeby, Setzler, Short, Thomas, Waldrep, Washington and Wilson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE FEBRUARY, 1998, "VULNERABLE ADULT AWARENESS MONTH" FOR 1998 IN SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO RECOGNIZE THIS EVENT BY REEMPHASIZING THEIR COMMITTMENT TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, DIGNITY, AND WELL-BEING OF ALL DISABLED AND ELDERLY ADULTS.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 1033 (Word version) -- Senators Passailaigue and McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 14-7-1510, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SERVICE AS A GRAND JUROR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON COMPLETING HIS SERVICE AS A GRAND JUROR, INCLUDING ANY SERVICE AS A HOLDOVER GRAND JUROR, IS EXEMPT FROM ANY FURTHER JURY SERVICE IN ANY COURT IN THIS STATE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 14, RELATING TO JURIES AND JURORS IN CIRCUIT COURT, BY ADDING ARTICLE 16 SO AS TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR SELECTING AND IMPANELING GRAND JURIES IN WHICH GRAND JURORS SHALL SERVE TERMS OF SIX MONTHS RATHER THAN ONE YEAR AND MAY HOLD OVER FOR ONE ADDITIONAL SIX-MONTH TERM, TO PROVIDE THE PROCEDURES FOR SELECTING AND IMPANELING SUCH JURORS UNDER THIS ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON COMPLETING HIS SERVICE AS A GRAND JUROR UNDER THIS ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM, INCLUDING ANY SERVICE AS A HOLDOVER GRAND JUROR, IS EXEMPT FROM ANY FURTHER JURY SERVICE IN ANY COURT OF THIS STATE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1034 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE RECORDING OF A PUBLIC MEETING, SO AS TO ALLOW THOSE IN ATTENDANCE TO VIDEO TAPE A PUBLIC MEETING.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1035 (Word version) -- Senator Giese: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 57-25-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS UPON COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES WITH REGARD TO OUTDOOR ADVERTISING; BY ADDING SECTION 57-25-215 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN SIGNS MUST BE CONSTRUCTED WITH STEEL OR STEEL MONOPOLES; TO AMEND SECTION 57-25-120 RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF CERTAIN OUTDOOR ADVERTISING TERMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MOBILE HOMES AND TRAILERS ARE NOT COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 57-25-140 RELATING TO SIGNS PERMITTED ALONG CERTAIN HIGHWAYS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE ERECTION OF SIGNS WITH VERTICAL STACK FACES OR DOUBLE-DECKED FACES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 57-25-190, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO COMPENSATION FOR REMOVAL OF SIGNS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY SHALL NOT REMOVE A LEGALLY PLACED OFF-PREMISES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING WITHOUT COMPENSATING THE OWNER, AND TO PROVIDE THAT GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES AND OWNERS OF OFF-PREMISES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENTER INTO RELOCATION AGREEMENTS IN LIEU AND INSTEAD OF ENTERING INTO COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 1036 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BOOKLETS OR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS DESIGNED TO EDUCATE APPLICANTS FOR A SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVER'S LICENSE OR PERMIT SHALL BE PRINTED IN SPANISH AND IN ANY OTHER LANGUAGE IN WHICH THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION FOR THAT PARTICULAR LICENSE IS GIVEN.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 1037 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-430, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VOTING PRECINCTS IN OCONEE COUNTY, SO AS TO REDESIGNATE THE PRECINCTS, DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THE LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED, AND PROVIDE THAT THE POLLING PLACES FOR THESE PRECINCTS MUST BE DETERMINED BY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION FOR OCONEE COUNTY.
Read the first time and ordered placed on the local and uncontested Calendar without reference.

S. 1038 (Word version) -- Senators Ravenel, Branton, Grooms, Ryberg, McConnell, Giese and Passailaigue: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 14-7-1510, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SERVICE AS A GRAND JUROR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON COMPLETING HIS SERVICE AS A GRAND JUROR, INCLUDING ANY SERVICE AS A HOLDOVER GRAND JUROR, IS EXEMPT FROM ANY FURTHER JURY SERVICE IN ANY COURT IN THIS STATE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 14, RELATING TO JURIES AND JURORS IN CIRCUIT COURT, BY ADDING ARTICLE 16 SO AS TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR SELECTING AND IMPANELING GRAND JURIES IN WHICH GRAND JURORS SHALL SERVE TERMS OF SIX MONTHS RATHER THAN ONE YEAR AND MAY HOLD OVER FOR ONE ADDITIONAL SIX-MONTH TERM, TO PROVIDE THE PROCEDURES FOR SELECTING AND IMPANELING SUCH JURORS UNDER THIS ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON COMPLETING HIS SERVICE AS A GRAND JUROR UNDER THIS ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM, INCLUDING ANY SERVICE AS A HOLDOVER GRAND JUROR, IS EXEMPT FROM ANY FURTHER JURY SERVICE IN ANY COURT OF THIS STATE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1039 (Word version) -- Senators Land and McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-5316 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROVISIONS TO GOVERN THE OPERATION OF AN INTERMODAL TRAILER, CHASSIS, OR CONTAINER.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 1040 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A BILL TO ESTABLISH THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION FOR FLORENCE COUNTY, TO ABOLISH THE OFFICE OF COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION AND THE REGISTRATION BOARD FOR FLORENCE COUNTY AND DEVOLVE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION AND THE REGISTRATION BOARD UPON THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION, PROVIDE FOR THE COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION, PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION SHALL ELECT A CHAIRPERSON AND PROVIDE FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF AS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION, PROVIDE FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMISSION, AND PROVIDE THAT THE CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE FLORENCE COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION AND THE FLORENCE COUNTY REGISTRATION BOARD SHALL ACT AS THE GOVERNING COMMISSION OF THE NEW FLORENCE COUNTY REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION UNTIL THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW COMMISSION APPOINTED AS PROVIDED BY THIS ACT TAKE OFFICE, AT WHICH TIME THE TERMS OF THE FORMER COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION AND REGISTRATION BOARD MEMBERS SHALL EXPIRE, PROVIDE FOR REMOVAL OF COMMISSIONS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AND TO DIRECT THE CODE COMMISSIONER TO MAKE CORRECTIONS TO CERTAIN REFERENCES IN THE CUMULATIVE SUPPLEMENT TO THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976.
Read the first time and ordered placed on the local and uncontested Calendar without reference.

S. 1041 (Word version) -- Senator Cork: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME THE CROSS ISLAND PARKWAY BRIDGE IN BEAUFORT COUNTY THE "CHARLES E. FRASER BRIDGE" AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS.
Introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 1042 (Word version) -- Senator Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEALTH, BY ADDING CHAPTER 32 SO AS TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR BODY PIERCING AND PERMANENT COSMETICS IN THIS STATE, INCLUDING PROVISIONS FOR, AMONG OTHER THINGS, REGISTRATION, PAYMENT OF FEES, INSPECTIONS, CIVIL PENALTIES, AND CRIMINAL OFFENSES AND PENALTIES.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

H. 4459 (Word version) -- Reps. Koon, Knotts, Rice and Bauer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-45-140, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO STANDARDS FOR FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER SYSTEM DESIGN AND INSTALLATION, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS REGARDING DESIGN AND INSTALLATION, PROVIDE THAT LAYOUT AND INSTALLATION OF FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER SYSTEMS MUST BE ACCORDING TO THE 1998 EDITION OF THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION NATIONAL FIRE CODES AND THE 1994 STANDARD BUILDING CODE, AND PROVIDE THAT THESE CODES AND STANDARDS SHALL APPLY UNLESS THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION HAS ADOPTED MORE RECENT VERSIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-45-147, RELATING TO THE FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER SYSTEMS ACT, SHOP DRAWINGS OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS, CONTENTS, SUBMISSION, AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN LANGUAGE AND PROVISIONS, PROVIDE THAT SHOP DRAWINGS MUST CONTAIN SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO SHOW COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION STANDARDS TO THE DEGREE REQUIRED BY THE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, PROVIDE THAT SHOP DRAWINGS MUST BEAR THE LICENSE NUMBER OF THE FIRE SPRINKLER CONTRACTOR LICENSED IN SOUTH CAROLINA WHO PREPARED THEM, PROVIDE THAT SHOP DRAWINGS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION, THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE, OR THE ENGINEERING/REVIEW DEPARTMENT OF THE OWNER'S INSURANCE UNDERWRITER OR ITS DESIGNEE, AND PROVIDE THAT A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFYING THAT THE FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPROVED SHOP DRAWINGS MUST BE DELIVERED TO THE OWNER OF THE BUILDING AND THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION BEFORE A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY MAY BE ISSUED; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 23-45-145, RELATING TO THE "FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM SPECIFICATION SHEET".
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H. 4562 (Word version) -- Rep. Sharpe: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING FEBRUARY, 1998, AS "PREVENT A LITTER MONTH" AND TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1998, AS "SPAY DAY USA 1998" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Introduced and referred to the Committee on Invitations.

H. 4613 (Word version) -- Reps. Cooper, Haskins and Lee: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX 12:00 NOON ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1998, AS THE TIME FOR ELECTING A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE AUDIT COUNCIL WHOSE TERM EXPIRED ON MAY 10, 1997.
Introduced and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H. 4624 (Word version) -- Rep. Mason: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE SOUTH AIKEN HIGH SCHOOL "LADY THOROUGHBREDS" GIRLS' TENNIS TEAM, COACHES, AND STAFF FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON BY WINNING THE 1997 CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

H. 4626 (Word version) -- Reps. Cotty and McMaster: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. RONALD K. COWDEN OF RICHLAND COUNTY FOR BEING SELECTED AS THE SOUTH CAROLINA 1998 PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR AND TO HONOR AND PAY TRIBUTE TO DR. COWDEN, A TRULY OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR AND PRINCIPAL WHO CONTINUES TO PIONEER NEW FRONTIERS OF EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC EDUCATION AND WHO HAS BROUGHT GREAT PRIDE TO RICHLAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO AND THE STATE.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

H. 4627 (Word version) -- Rep. R. Smith: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE SILVER SPIRIT MARCHING BAND OF SILVER BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL IN AIKEN COUNTY UPON WINNING THE CLASS 2A STATE MARCHING BAND CHAMPIONSHIP.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

H. 4628 (Word version) -- Reps. Meacham, Simrill, Moody-Lawrence, McCraw, Delleney and Kirsh: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING YORK COUNTY FOR ITS MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND DECLARING MARCH 10, 1998, "YORK COUNTY DAY".
Introduced and referred to the Committee on Invitations.

H. 4629 (Word version) -- Rep. Neal: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO OFFER THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO MR. AND MRS. TALLY ADAMS OF RICHLAND COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES TO THEM AND THEIR FAMILY ON THIS DAY OF JOY.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations has polled out S. 1010 favorable:
S. 1010 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Peeler, Gregory and Short: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING YORK COUNTY FOR ITS MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND DECLARING MARCH 10, 1998, "YORK COUNTY DAY".

Poll of the Invitations Committee
Ayes 8; Nays 0; Not Voting 2

AYES

Courson                   Wilson                    Matthews
Patterson                 Russell                   O'Dell
McGill                    Reese

TOTAL--8

NAYS

TOTAL--0

NOT VOTING

Passailaigue              Washington

TOTAL--2

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations submitted a favorable report on:
An invitation from State Farm Insurance Company to attend a luncheon in the courtyard between the Gressette and Blatt buildings on Tuesday, February 24, 1998, upon adjournment and lasting until 2:30 P.M.

Poll of the Invitations Committee
Ayes 8; Nays 0; Not Voting 2

AYES

Courson                   Wilson                    Matthews
Patterson                 Russell                   O'Dell
McGill                    Reese

TOTAL--8

NAYS

TOTAL--0

NOT VOTING

Passailaigue              Washington

TOTAL--2

Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations submitted a favorable report on:
An invitation from S.C. Policy Council to attend a reception at 1419 Pendleton St. on Wednesday, February 25, 1998, from 7:30 until 9:00 P.M.

Poll of the Invitations Committee
Ayes 8; Nays 0; Not Voting 2

AYES

Courson                   Wilson                    Matthews
Patterson                 Russell                   O'Dell
McGill                    Reese

TOTAL--8

NAYS

TOTAL--0

NOT VOTING

Passailaigue              Washington

TOTAL--2

Senator COURSON from the Committee on Invitations submitted a favorable report on:
An invitation from S.C. Self-Insurers Assn., Inc. to attend a breakfast reception in 208 Blatt Building on Thursday, February 26, 1998, from 8:30 until 10:30 A.M.

Poll of the Invitations Committee
Ayes 8; Nays 0; Not Voting 2

AYES

Courson                   Wilson                    Matthews
Patterson                 Russell                   O'Dell
McGill                    Reese

TOTAL--8

NAYS

TOTAL--0

NOT VOTING

Passailaigue              Washington

TOTAL--2

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 1022 (Word version) -- Senator Washington: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE MACK WILLIE RHODES AS A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT AND OUTSTANDING SOUTH CAROLINIAN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY ON FEBRUARY 25, 1998.
Returned with concurrence.
Received as information.

RATIFICATION OF ACTS

Pursuant to an invitation the Honorable Speaker and House of Representatives appeared in the Senate Chamber on February 17, 1998, at 1:00 P.M. and the following Acts and Joint Resolutions were ratified:

(R268) S. 75 (Word version) -- Senators Drummond and Holland: AN ACT TO RATIFY AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE "VICTIM'S BILL OF RIGHTS" BY ADDING SECTION 24; AND ALSO TO RATIFY AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 15, ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION, RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF BAIL, CRUEL OR UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT, AND DETENTION OF WITNESSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BAIL MAY BE DENIED TO PERSONS CHARGED WITH VIOLENT OFFENSES.

(R269) S. 204 (Word version) -- Senator Courson: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 38-45-110, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PLACING INSURANCE WITH A SURPLUS LINES INSURER, SO AS TO CHANGE FROM TWENTY TO THIRTY THE NUMBER OF DAYS WITHIN WHICH A BROKER MUST FILE A WRITTEN REQUEST WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE FOR APPROVAL OF THE PLACEMENT.

(R270) S. 220 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 15-43-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ABATEMENT OF NUISANCES, SO AS TO
INCLUDE THE USE OF BUILDINGS OR PLACES FOR REPEATED ACTS OF UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OR SALE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND CONTINUOUS BREACH OF THE PEACE AS NUISANCES SUBJECT TO ABATEMENT, AND TO DEFINE "CONTINUOUS BREACH OF THE PEACE".

(R271) S. 380 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-25-315 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR EMERGENCY CEASE AND DESIST ORDERS TO PREVENT THE UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTION OF INSURANCE BUSINESS WITHIN THIS STATE AND PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-25-330, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATING CHAPTER 25, TITLE 38 ON THE UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTION OF INSURANCE BUSINESS, SO AS TO REQUIRE A WILFULL VIOLATION BEFORE A CONVICTION MAY BE HAD OR A PENALTY IMPOSED, AND CHANGE THE OFFENSE FROM A MISDEMEANOR TO A FELONY.

(R272) S. 832 (Word version) -- Senators Holland and Giese: AN ACT TO ABOLISH THE KERSHAW COUNTY BOARD OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND KERSHAW COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION, AND TO CREATE THE KERSHAW COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND REGISTRATION.

(R273) S. 861 (Word version) -- Senator Drummond: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 1147 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE GREENWOOD COUNTY VOCATIONAL FACILITY, SO AS TO RENAME THE FACILITY THE GREENWOOD COUNTY CAREER CENTER.

(R274) S. 923 (Word version) -- Senator Holland: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT CONCURRENT LAW ENFORCEMENT JURISDICTION IS GRANTED TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OVER THE NATIONAL ADVOCACY CENTER FOR AS LONG AS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LEASES THE CENTER.

(R275) S. 924 (Word version) -- Senators Matthews and Hutto: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 526 OF 1996, RELATING TO THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF ORANGEBURG COUNTY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS WHICH MUST BE MET BEFORE SCHOOLS MAY BE CLOSED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF A CONSOLIDATED DISTRICT, AND TO REQUIRE THE MAINTENANCE OF ALL SCHOOL BUILDINGS WHICH ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL BOARD.

(R276) S. 925 (Word version) -- Senators Cork and Washington: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-110, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VOTING PRECINCTS IN BEAUFORT COUNTY, SO AS TO REDESIGNATE THESE PRECINCTS AND DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THE LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED.

(R277) S. 928 (Word version) -- Senators Lander, Waldrep, McConnell and Courtney: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 24, ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO A BILL OF RIGHTS FOR CRIME VICTIMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT REQUIREMENTS THAT VICTIMS OF CRIMES BE NOTIFIED AND INFORMED OF THEIR RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES CONFERRED UPON THEM UNDER THIS SECTION DO NOT APPLY TO CRIMES THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY LAW EXCLUDES FROM THESE REQUIREMENTS, AND TO PERMIT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY LAW TO FURTHER DEFINE THE TERM "VICTIM" FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION TO STIPULATE THE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS TO WHOM THIS SECTION APPLIES.

(R278) H. 3215 (Word version) -- Reps. Simrill and Meacham: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 17-13-40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO A TOWN OR CITY POLICE OFFICER'S JURISDICTION WHEN HE IS IN PURSUIT OF AN OFFENDER, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFICER MAY ARREST AN OFFENDER WITHIN THE TOWN OR CITY'S CORPORATE LIMITS, WITHIN THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE TOWN OR CITY IS LOCATED, OR AT A PLACE WITHIN THREE MILES OF THE CORPORATE LIMITS, TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN COUNTY POLICE AUTHORITIES ARE IN PURSUIT OF AN OFFENDER FOR VIOLATING A COUNTY ORDINANCE OR STATE STATUTE COMMITTED WITHIN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF THE COUNTY, THE AUTHORITIES MAY ARREST THE OFFENDER WITHIN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OR AT A PLACE WITHIN AN ADJACENT COUNTY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER'S JURISDICTION IS EXPANDED, CERTAIN AUTHORITY, RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND IMMUNITIES THAT ARE APPLICABLE TO AN OFFICER EMPLOYED WITHIN HIS JURISDICTION ARE EXTENDED TO HIS EXPANDED JURISDICTION.

(R279) H. 3590 (Word version) -- Reps. Gourdine, Altman, Breeland, Harrell, Cobb-Hunter, Bailey, Inabinett, H. Brown, Hinson, Law, Govan, Chellis, Mack, Stuart, Lloyd, Dantzler, Seithel, Limehouse, Felder, Whatley, Battle, Young-Brickell and Campsen: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-708 SO AS TO PROHIBIT IN GAME ZONE 6 THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS FROM ANY VEHICLE OR WATER AND CONVEYANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBSERVING OR HARASSING WILDLIFE AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION AND PENALTIES.

(R280) H. 4131 (Word version) -- Rep. Sheheen: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO REMOVE FROM THE STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM THAT PORTION OF SECONDARY ROAD S28-52, ACADEMY DRIVE, IN KERSHAW COUNTY, BETWEEN U.S. HIGHWAY 1 NORTH AND THE CAMDEN MILITARY ACADEMY PROPERTY LINE.

(R281) H. 4189 (Word version) -- Reps. T. Brown and Miller: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-270, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN GEORGETOWN COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN OF THESE PRECINCTS.

(R282) H. 4466 (Word version) -- Reps. Sheheen and H. Brown: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE STATE INCOME TAX, SO AS TO UPDATE THE REFERENCE DATE WHEREBY THIS STATE ADOPTS VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986.

(R283) H. 4469 (Word version) -- Reps. Limehouse, Cato, Campsen and H. Brown: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 54-15-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE LICENSURE OF PORT PILOTS SO AS TO DIRECT THE COMMISSIONERS OF PILOTAGE TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN SHORT BRANCH LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 54-15-120 RELATING TO PREREQUISITES TO LICENSING IN THE PORT OF CHARLESTON, SO AS TO REVISE THE LEVELS WHICH AN APPRENTICE MUST OBTAIN BEFORE LICENSURE.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.

HOUSE BILL RETURNED

The following House Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments:

H. 3337 (Word version) -- Reps. D. Smith, Cato, Rice, Robinson, Govan, Beck, Tripp and F. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-580, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CLERK AND OTHER STAFF OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EACH ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE MAY APPOINT, HIRE, CONTRACT, AND SUPERVISE THE SUPPORT STAFF HE IS INDIVIDUALLY ALLOTTED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-650, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROMULGATION OF RULES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PROMULGATION OF RULES GOVERNING PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE BEFORE THE DIVISION.

THIRD READING BILL

The following Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:

S. 863 (Word version) -- Senators Holland, Washington and Short: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-25-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR PAROLE FOR AN INMATE WHO PRESENTS CREDIBLE EVIDENCE OF CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUFFERED AT THE HANDS OF HIS SPOUSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE INMATE MAY PRESENT THE EVIDENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN A POST-CONVICTION RELIEF HEARING.

SECOND READING BILL
WITH NOTICE OF GENERAL AMENDMENTS

The following Bill, having been read the second time with notice of general amendments, was ordered placed on the third reading Calendar:

H. 3470 (Word version) -- Reps. Kirsh, Edge, Barfield, Meacham and Simrill: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 18, TITLE 41, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA AMUSEMENT RIDES SAFETY CODE, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TERM "COMMISSIONER" TO "DIRECTOR" AND TO CONFORM THE NAME OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TO THE GOVERNMENT RESTRUCTURING ACT OF 1993.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT AMENDED AND ADOPTED
READ THE SECOND TIME
WITH NOTICE OF GENERAL AMENDMENTS

S. 130 (Word version) -- Senator Giese: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 43, TITLE 40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PHARMACISTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH PHARMACISTS ARE LICENSED, REGULATED, AND SUPERVISED, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH PHARMACISTS CONDUCT THEIR BUSINESS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Medical Affairs.

Senator McCONNELL proposed the following amendment (130R001.GFM), which was adopted:
Amend the Committee Report, as and if amended, page [130-13], by striking line 16 and inserting in lieu thereof:
/ (11)   to have such powers and authority/
Amend title to conform.
The amendment was adopted.

The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (PSD\7180AC.98), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting the text beginning on page 21, line 21 through page 87, line 33 and inserting:
/Section 40-43-10.   This chapter may be cited as the 'South Carolina Pharmacy Practice Act'. The purpose of this chapter is to promote, preserve, and protect the public health, safety, and welfare by and through the effective control and regulation of the practice of pharmacy; the licensure of pharmacists; the licensure, permitting, control, and regulation of all sites or persons, in or out of this State, that distribute, manufacture, possess, or sell drugs or devices within this State, as may be used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injury, illness, and disease of a patient or other individual.
The practice of pharmacy shall center around the provision of pharmacy care services and assisting the patient to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
If a provision of this chapter is declared unconstitutional or illegal, or the applicability of this chapter to a person, pharmacy, or circumstance is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the constitutionality or legality of the remaining provisions of this chapter and the application of this chapter to other persons, pharmacies, and circumstances are not affected and shall remain in full force and effect without the invalid provision or application.
Section 40-43-20.   Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it is unlawful for an individual to engage in the practice of pharmacy unless currently licensed pursuant to this chapter.
Section 40-43-30.   For purposes of this chapter:
(1)   'Administer' means the direct application of a drug or device pursuant to a lawful order of a practitioner to the body of a patient by injection, inhalation, ingestion, topical application, or any other means.
(2)   'Biological safety cabinet' means a containment unit suitable for the preparation of low-to-moderate risk agents where there is a need for protection of the product, personnel, and environment, according to National Sanitation Foundation Standard 49.
(3)   'Board' or 'Board of Pharmacy' means the South Carolina State Board of Pharmacy.
(4)   'Brand name' means the proprietary or trade name placed upon a drug, its container, label, or wrapping at the time of packaging.
(5)   'Chart Order' means a lawful order from a practitioner for a drug or device for patients of a hospital or extended care facility, or such an order prepared by another person and signed by a practitioner either immediately or at another time, issued for a legitimate medical purpose within the practitioner's course of legitimate practice and including orders derived on behalf of a practitioner from a practitioner approved drug therapy management.
(6)   'Class 100 Environment' means an atmospheric environment which contains less than one hundred particles 0.5 microns in diameter per cubic foot of air.
(7)   'Compounding' means the preparation, propagation, conversion, or processing of a drug or device, either directly or indirectly, by extraction from substances of natural origin or independently by means of chemical or biological synthesis, or the preparation, mixing, assembling, packaging, or labeling of a drug or device as the result of a practitioner's prescription drug order or initiative based on the practitioner/patient/pharmacist relationship in the course of professional practice, or for the purpose of, or as an incident to, research, teaching, or chemical analysis and not for sale or dispensing. Compounding also includes the preparation of drugs or devices in anticipation of prescription drug orders based on routine, regularly observed prescribing patterns. The term compounding does not include mixing, reconstituting, or other such acts that are performed in accordance with directions contained in approved labeling provided by the product's manufacturer and other manufacturer directions consistent with that labeling.
(8)   'Confidential information' means information maintained in a patient's records or which is communicated to a patient as part of patient counseling, which is privileged and may be released only to the patient, to those practitioners and pharmacists where, in the pharmacist's professional judgment, release is necessary to protect the patient's health and well being, and to other persons or governmental agencies authorized by law to receive such confidential information.
(9)   'Cytotoxic agent' means a drug that has the capability of killing living cells.
(10)   'Deliver' or 'Delivery' means the actual, constructive, or attempted transfer of a drug or device from one person to another, whether or not for consideration.
(11)   'Designated agent' means a person employed by an authorized practitioner to transmit, either orally or electronically, a prescription drug order on behalf of the authorized practitioner to the pharmacist. The authorized practitioner accepts the responsibility for the correct transmission of the prescription drug order.
(12)   'Designated pharmacist' means an individual currently licensed by the Board of Pharmacy in this State who certifies internship training.
(13)   'Device' means an instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, contrivance, implant, or other similar or related article, including any component part or accessory, which is required under federal law to bear the label: 'Caution: Federal law restricts this device for sale by or on the order of a ___________', the blank to be filled with the word physician, dentist, veterinarian, or with the descriptive designation of any other practitioner licensed by the law of the State in which he practices to use or order the use of the device; or 'Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription'; or any products deemed to be a public health threat after notice and public hearing as designated by the board.
(14)   'Dispense' means the transfer of possession of one or more doses of a drug or device by a licensed pharmacist or person permitted by law, to the ultimate consumer or his agent pursuant to a lawful order of a practitioner in a suitable container appropriately labeled for subsequent administration to, or use by, a patient. As an element of dispensing, the dispenser shall, before the actual physical transfer, interpret and assess the prescription order for potential adverse reactions or side effects, interactions, allergies, dosage, and regimen the dispenser considers appropriate in the exercise of his professional judgment, and the dispenser shall determine that the drug or device called for by the prescription is ready for dispensing. The dispenser shall also provide counseling on proper drug usage, either orally or in writing, as provided in this chapter. The actual sales transaction and delivery of a drug or device is not considered dispensing and the administration is not considered dispensing.
(15)   'Distribute' means the delivery of a drug or device other than by administering or dispensing.
(16)   'Drug' or 'Medicine' means:
(a)   articles recognized as drugs in an official compendium, or supplement to a compendium, including, but not limited to USP/NF designated from time to time by the board for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in humans or other animals;
(b)   articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in humans or other animals;
(c)   articles, other than food, or nonprescription vitamins intended to affect the structure or a function of the human body or other animals; and
(d)   articles intended for use as a component of any articles specified in item (a), (b) or (c) of this subsection.
(17)   'Drug regimen review' includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:
(a)   evaluation of prescription drug orders and pharmacy patient records for:
(i)   known allergies;
(ii)   rational therapy-contraindications;
(iii)   reasonable dose and route of administration; and
(iv)   reasonable directions for use.
(b)   evaluation of prescription drug orders and pharmacy patient records for duplication of therapy.
(c)   evaluation of prescription drug orders and pharmacy patient records for interactions:
(i)   drug-drug;
(ii)   drug-food;
(iii)   drug-disease, if available; and
(iv)   adverse drug reactions.
(d)   evaluation of prescription drug orders and pharmacy patient records for proper utilization, including over-utilization or under-utilization, and optimum therapeutic outcomes.
(18)   'Drug Therapy Management' is that practice of pharmacy which involves the expertise of the pharmacist in a collaborative effort with the practitioner and other health care providers to ensure the highest quality health care services for patients.
(19)   'Enteral' means within or by way of the intestine.
(20)   'Equivalent drug product' means a drug product which has the same established name and active ingredients to meet the same compendia or other applicable standards, but which may differ in characteristics such as shape, scoring configuration, packaging, excipient (including colors, flavors, preservatives), and expiration time. Pharmacists may utilize as a basis for the determination of generic equivalency Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations and current supplements published by the Federal Food and Drug Administration, within the limitations stipulated in that publication.
(21)   'Extern' means an individual currently enrolled in an approved college or school of pharmacy who is on required rotations for obtaining a degree in pharmacy.
(22)   'Generic names' mean the official compendia names or United States Adopted Names (USAN).
(23)   'Health care provider' includes a pharmacist who provides health care services within the pharmacist's scope of practice pursuant to state law and regulation.
(24)   'Institutional facility' means an organization whose primary purpose is to provide a physical environment for patients to obtain health care services and shall not include those places where physicians, dentists, veterinarians, or other practitioners, who are duly licensed, engage in private practice.
(25)   'Institutional Pharmacy' means the physical portion of an institutional facility that is engaged in the compounding, dispensing, and distribution of drugs, devices, and other materials, hereinafter referred to as 'drugs', used in the diagnosis and treatment of injury, illness, and disease and which is permitted by the State Board of Pharmacy.
(26)   'Institutional consultant pharmacist' means a pharmacist licensed in this State who acts as a consultant for institutional facilities.
(27)   'Intern' means an individual who is currently registered by certificate in this State to engage in the practice of pharmacy while under the personal supervision of a pharmacist and is satisfactorily progressing toward meeting the requirements for licensure as a pharmacist.
(28)   'Labeling' means the process of preparing and affixing a label which includes all information required by federal and state law to a drug container exclusive of the labeling by a manufacturer, packer, or distributor of a nonprescription drug or commercially packaged legend drug or device.
(29)   'Manufacturing' of products means the production, preparation, propagation, conversion, or processing of a drug or device, either directly or indirectly, by extraction from substances of natural origin or independently by means of chemical or biological synthesis, or from bulk chemicals, and includes any packaging or repackaging of the substances or labeling or relabeling of its container, if these actions are followed by the promotion and marketing of the drugs or devices for resale to pharmacies, practitioners, or other persons.
(30)   'Manufacturer' means a person engaged in the manufacture of prescription drugs or devices.
(31)   'Medical order' means a lawful order of a practitioner which may or may not include a prescription drug order.
(32)   'Nonprescription drug' means a drug which may be sold without a prescription and which is labeled for use by the consumer in accordance with the requirements of the laws of this State and the federal government.
(33)   'Nonresident pharmacy' means a pharmacy located outside this State.
(34)   'Parenteral' means a sterile preparation of drugs for injection through one or more layers of the skin.
(35)   'Patient counseling' means the oral or written communication by the pharmacist to a patient or care giver providing information on the proper use of drugs and devices.
(36)   'Permit consultant pharmacist' means a pharmacist licensed in this State who acts as a consultant for a permit holder other than a pharmacy or institution.
(37)   'Person' means an individual, sole-proprietorship, corporation, partnership, association, or any other legal entity including government.
(38)   'Pharmacy care' is the direct provision of drug therapy and other pharmacy patient care services through which pharmacists, in cooperation with the patient and other health care providers, design, implement, monitor, and manage therapeutic plans for the purpose of improving a patient's quality of life. Objectives include cure of disease, elimination or reduction of a patient's symptomatology, arresting or slowing a disease process, or prevention of a disease or symptomatology. The process includes three primary functions:
(a)   identifying potential and actual drug-related problems;
(b)   resolving actual drug-related problems; and
(c)   preventing potential drug-related problems.
(39)   'Pharmacist' means an individual health care provider licensed by this State to engage in the practice of pharmacy. A pharmacist is a learned professional authorized to provide patient care services within the scope of their knowledge and skills.
(40)   'Pharmacist-in-charge' means a pharmacist currently licensed in this State who accepts responsibility for the operation of a pharmacy in conformance with all laws pertinent to the practice of pharmacy and the distribution of drugs and who is in full and actual charge of the pharmacy and personnel.
(41)   'Pharmacy' means a location for which a pharmacy permit is required and in which prescription drugs and devices are maintained, compounded, and dispensed for patients by a pharmacist. This definition includes a location where pharmacy-related services are provided by a pharmacist.
(42)   'Pharmacy technician' means an individual other than an intern or extern, who works under the personal supervision of a licensed pharmacist or who handles legend drugs in a pharmacy department, or both, and who is required to register as a pharmacy technician.
(43)   'Poison' means:
(a)   a drug, chemical, substance, or preparation which, according to standard works on medicine, materia medica, or toxicology, is liable to be destructive to adult human life in doses of sixty grains or less; or
(b)   a substance recognized by standard authorities on medicine, materia medica, or toxicology as poisonous; or
(c)   any other item enumerated in this chapter; or
(d)   a drug, chemical, substance, or preparation which is labeled 'Poison'.
(44)   'Practice of Pharmacy' means the interpretation, evaluation, and dispensing of prescription drug orders in the patient's best interest; participation in drug and device selection, drug administration, prospective drug reviews, and drug or drug-related research; provision of patient counseling and the provision of those acts or services necessary to provide pharmacy care and drug therapy management; and responsibility for compounding and labeling of drugs and devices, (except labeling by a manufacturer, repackager, or distributor or nonprescription drugs and commercially packaged legend drugs and devices) proper and safe storage of drugs and devices and maintenance of proper records for them; or the offering or performing of those acts, services, operations or transactions necessary in the conduct, operation, education, management and control of pharmacy.
(45)   'Practitioner' means a physician, dentist, optometrist, podiatrist, veterinarian, or other health care provider authorized by law to diagnose and prescribe drugs and devices.
(46)   'Prescription drug' or 'legend drug' means:
(a)   a drug which, under federal law, is required, prior to being dispensed or delivered, to be labeled with either of the following statements:
(i)   'Caution: Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription';
(ii)   'Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by, or on the order of, a licensed veterinarian'; or
(b)   a drug which is required by any applicable federal or state law to be dispensed pursuant only to a prescription drug order or is restricted to use by practitioners only;
(c)   any drug products considered to be a public health threat, after notice and public hearing as designated by the board; or
(d)   any prescribed compounded prescription is a prescription drug within the meaning of this act.
(47)   'Prescription drug order' means a lawful order from a practitioner for a drug or device for a specific patient, issued for a legitimate medical purpose within the prescriber's course of legitimate practice and including orders derived from collaborative pharmacy practice.
(48)   'Prospective drug use review' means a review of the patient's drug therapy and prescription drug order before dispensing the drug as part of a drug regimen review.
(49)   'Significant adverse drug reaction' means a drug-related incident that may result in serious harm, injury, or death to the patient.
(50)   'Sterile pharmaceutical' means a dosage form devoid of viable micro-organisms.
(51)   'Therapeutically equivalent' means a drug product with the same efficacy and toxicity when administered to an individual as the originally prescribed drug as provided for in Section 39-24-40.
(52)   'Wholesale distributor' means a person engaged in wholesale distribution of prescription drugs or devices including, but not limited to, manufacturers; repackagers; own-label distributors; private-label distributors; jobbers; brokers; warehouses including manufacturers' and distributors' warehouses, chain drug warehouses, and wholesale drug warehouses; independent wholesale drug traders; and retail pharmacies that conduct wholesale distributions. 'Wholesale distributor' does not include:
(a)   intracompany sales, being defined as a transaction or transfer between a division, subsidiary, parent or affiliated or related company under the common ownership and control of a corporate entity;
(b)   the purchase or other acquisition by a hospital or other health care entity that is a member of a group-purchasing organization of a drug for its own use from the group-purchasing organization or from other hospitals or health care entities that are members of such organizations;
(c)   the sale, purchase, or trade of a drug or an offer to sell, purchase, or trade a drug by a charitable organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to a nonprofit affiliate of the organization to the extent otherwise permitted by law;
(d)   the sale, purchase, or trade of a drug or an offer to sell, purchase, or trade a drug among hospitals or other health care entities that are under common control. For purposes of this section, 'common control' means the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person or an organization, whether by ownership of stock, voting rights, by contract, or otherwise;
(e)   the sale, purchase, or trade of a drug or an offer to sell, purchase, or trade a drug for emergency medical reasons. For purposes of this section, 'emergency medical reasons' includes the transfer of legend drugs by a licensed pharmacy to another licensed pharmacy or a practitioner licensed to possess prescription drugs to alleviate a temporary shortage, except that the gross dollar value of the transfers may not exceed five percent of the total legend drug sales revenue of either the transferor or the transferee pharmacy during a consecutive twelve-month period;
(f)   the sale, purchase, or trade of a drug, an offer to sell, purchase, or trade a drug, or the dispensing of a drug pursuant to a prescription; or
(g)   the sale, purchase, or trade of blood and blood components intended for transfusion.
(53)   'Revocation' means the cancellation or withdrawal of a license, permit, or other authorization issued by the board either permanently or for a period specified by the board before the person shall be eligible to apply anew. A person whose license, permit, or other authorization has been permanently revoked by the board shall never again be eligible for a license or permit of any kind from the board.
Section 40-43-40.   (A)   There is created the State Board of Pharmacy to be composed of eight members, appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate, one of whom must be a lay member from the State at large, one of whom must be a pharmacist from the State at large, and six of whom must be pharmacists representing each of the six congressional districts. Provided, however, if no hospital pharmacist is selected to represent any of the six congressional districts, the Governor shall appoint a hospital pharmacist as the pharmacist at large.
(B)   The pharmacist at large and the lay member shall serve coterminously with the appointing Governor and until their successors are appointed and qualify. The board shall conduct an election to nominate three pharmacists from each congressional district to be submitted to the Governor for consideration for appointment. The Governor shall appoint one pharmacist to represent each congressional district from among the nominees submitted for that district. The election shall provide for participation by all pharmacists currently licensed and residing in the congressional district for which the nomination is being made. The pharmacists must be residents of the congressional district they represent, licensed, in good standing to practice pharmacy in this State, and actively engaged in the practice of pharmacy in this State. The members of the board representing the six congressional districts shall serve terms of six years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. No member may serve more than two successive terms of office except that a member serving an unexpired term may be reelected and reappointed for two successive terms.
(C)   Before December first in the year in which the term expires for a member representing a congressional district, a qualified pharmacist desiring to be a candidate for the board shall submit to the administrator of the board a biography and a petition bearing the signatures of a minimum of fifteen pharmacists practicing in that pharmacist's congressional district. The administrator shall prepare ballots for mailing to all pharmacists licensed and residing in the congressional district for which the nomination is being made. The ballots must be in a form so as to make tabulation quick and easy and shall contain the names of the nominees in alphabetical order. Enclosures to accompany the ballots shall include the envelope in which the ballot is to be sealed and an envelope addressed to the secretary of the board. The addressed envelope shall contain a statement headed 'information required' on which must be typed or printed the name of the voter and a space for the voter's signature certifying that the voter:
(1)   is the person whose name appears on the statement;
(2)   is eligible to vote in this election;
(3)   has personally cast the ballot.
(D)   All ballots must be mailed by the administrator before January fifteenth to the last known mailing address of all pharmacists residing in the congressional district for which the nomination is being made and must be returned to the administrator postmarked before February fifteenth and received by the office before February twenty-fifth. The administrator of the board shall certify these ballots to be true and valid.
(E)   Before March first, the board shall certify in writing to the Governor the name of the three persons winning the election and the name of the person the nominee replaces on the board, and the member, when appointed by the Governor, takes office the first of July of that year.
(F)   Notwithstanding subsection (B), if a nominee is judged unfit by the Governor, the board must be informed and other nominees must be submitted in like manner.
(G)   Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.
(H)   The Governor may remove a member of the board who is guilty of continued neglect of board duties or who is found to be incompetent, unprofessional, or dishonorable. No member may be removed without first giving the member an opportunity to refute the charges filed against that member.
Section 40-43-50.   (A)   The board is styled 'The Board of Pharmacy' and shall meet in the City of Columbia or any other place in the State designated by the board at least three times a year. The board may meet additionally for administrative purposes at the call of the chairman or of two-thirds of its members.
(B)   A simple majority of the appointed members of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. The board shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman.
Section 40-43-60.   (A)   There must be an Administrator of the Board of Pharmacy who must be a pharmacist licensed in the State of South Carolina and who must be the chief drug inspector. When a vacancy occurs, the position of Administrator of the Board of Pharmacy shall be filled in accordance with Section 40-1-50.
(B)   The Board of Pharmacy shall have its own staff of inspectors who must be pharmacists licensed in South Carolina and shall conduct all pharmacy inspections and investigations and shall report to and be supervised by the Administrator of the Board of Pharmacy.
(C)   The chief drug inspector, or his designee, shall visit biennially all permitted facilities in this State and inspect them to see that the laws relating to the licensing of pharmacists are obeyed and to see that all of the provisions of this chapter are obeyed and carried out by the permitted facilities and pharmacists of this State. If a violation of this chapter is discovered, the inspector either shall require the pharmacist or permit holder of the permitted facility in default immediately to correct the violation or shall prosecute the offender under the law, using his discretion after consulting with the board if considered necessary. The inspector or his designee may swear out warrants for offenders who violate the provisions of this chapter.
(D)   The board shall:
(1)   regulate the practice of pharmacy;
(2)   regulate the sale and dispensing of drugs, poisons, and devices;
(3)   regulate the supervision and training of pharmacy interns and technicians in pharmacies;
(4)   investigate alleged violations of this chapter or any other law in the State pertaining to, or in connection with, persons licensed by the board or otherwise authorized by state laws to manufacture, sell, distribute, dispense, or possess drugs, medicines, poisons, or devices, or as related to misbranded or counterfeit drugs, or any regulations promulgated by the board under this chapter; conduct hearings when, in its discretion, it appears to be necessary; and bring violations to the notice of the prosecuting attorney of the court of competent jurisdiction in which a violation takes place or to the notice of the Attorney General;
(5)   establish the minimum specifications for the physical facilities, technical equipment, environment, supplies, personnel, and procedures for the storage, compounding or dispensing, or both, of drugs or devices, and for the monitoring of drug therapy;
(6)   confine at any time to prescription order only the dispensing of a drug found to be potentially dangerous to public safety if dispensed without prescription.
(7)   seize any drugs and devices found by the board to constitute an imminent danger to the public health and welfare.
(8)   promulgate regulations which the board, in its judgment, considers necessary for the carrying out of the purposes of this chapter;
(9)   license in accordance with this chapter pharmacists who shall practice in this State and permit all facilities which shall dispense drugs in this State and to suspend, revoke, or cancel a license or permit in accordance with law;
(10)   adopt rules of professional conduct for pharmacists which must be appropriate to the establishment and maintenance of a high standard of integrity and dignity in the profession; and
(11)   perform other duties and to have other powers and authority as may be necessary and proper to accomplish the foregoing or as may be prescribed by law.
(E)   The board may:
(1)   join professional organizations and associations organized exclusively to promote the improvement of the standards of the practice of pharmacy for the protection of the health and welfare of the public or whose activities assist and facilitate the work of the board, or both;
(2)   establish a bill of rights for patients concerning the health care services a patient may expect in regard to pharmacy care.
(F)   Notwithstanding anything in this chapter to the contrary, whenever a duly authorized representative of the board finds, or has probable cause to believe, that a drug or device is adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of the Federal Food and Drug Act, the duly authorized representative of the board shall affix to the drug or device a tag or other appropriate marking giving notice that the drug or device is or is suspected of being adulterated or misbranded, has been detained or embargoed, and warning all persons not to remove or dispose of the drug or device by sale or otherwise until provision for removal or disposal is given by the board, its agent, or the court. No person shall remove or dispose of the embargoed drug or device by sale or otherwise without permission of the board or its agent or, after summary proceedings have been instituted, without permission from the court.
(1)   When a drug or device detained or embargoed under this subsection has been declared by a representative to be adulterated or misbranded, the board shall, as soon as is practical, petition the court in which jurisdiction the article is detained or embargoed for an order for condemnation of the article. If the court determines that the drug or device so detained or embargoed is not adulterated or misbranded, the board shall direct the immediate removal of the tag or other marking.
(2)   If the court finds the detained or embargoed drug or device is adulterated or misbranded, the drug or device, after entry of the decree, must be destroyed at the expense of the owner under the supervision of a board representative and all costs and fees, storage, and other proper expense shall be borne by the owner of the drug or device. When the adulteration or misbranding can be corrected by proper labeling or processing of the drug or device, the court, after entry of the decree and after costs, fees, and expenses have been paid and a good and sufficient bond has been posted, may direct that drug or device be delivered to the owner for labeling or processing under the supervision of a board representative. Expense of the supervision shall be paid by the owner. The bond shall be returned to the owner of the drug or device on representation to the court by the board that the drug or device is no longer in violation of the embargo and the expense of supervision has been paid.
(3)   It is the duty of the Attorney General to whom the board reports any violation of this subsection to cause appropriate proceedings to be instituted in the proper court without delay and to be prosecuted in the manner required by law. Nothing in this subitem shall be construed to require the board to report violations whenever the board believes the public's interest will be adequately served in the circumstances by a suitable written notice or warning.
(G)   The board may place under seal all drugs or devices that are owned by or in the possession, custody, or control of a licensee at the time the license is suspended or revoked or at the time the board refuses to renew the license. Except as otherwise provided in this section, drugs or devices so sealed shall not be disposed of until appeal rights under the Administrative Procedures Act have expired, or an appeal filed pursuant to that act has been determined. The court involved in an appeal filed pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act may order the board, during the tendency of the appeal, to sell drugs that are perishable. The proceeds of the sale must be deposited with that court.
(H)   Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require a permit of or to prevent a licensed practitioner as defined under Section 40-43-30(45) from possessing or administering drugs or devices, or compounding drugs used for administration in the regular course of professional practice.
(I)   Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require a permit of or to prevent a licensed practitioner as defined under Section 40-43-30(45) from dispensing drugs or devices that are the lawful property of the practitioner or a partnership or corporate entity which is fully owned by licensed practitioners. Drugs or medicine dispensed must comply with the labeling requirements of State and federal laws and regulations.
(J)   The distribution of complimentary drug samples by manufacturer's representatives to pharmacists licensed to dispense and to practitioners In this State who are legally authorized to prescribe does not require a permit within the meaning of this chapter.
(K)   A physician may dispense non-controlled prescription drugs at an entity that provides free medical services if no pharmacist is available. All such drugs must be labeled as required by this chapter.
(L)   Nothing in this chapter prohibits an optometrist from purchasing, possessing, administering, selling, prescribing, or dispensing either directly or through a licensed manufacturer contact lenses, contact lens solutions, and topically applied dyes or applies to the practice of opticianry.
(M)   Unless otherwise expressly restricted by this act, nothing in this shall prevent, restrict, or otherwise interfere with the sale, of non-narcotic, nonprescription drugs by a retail merchant.
Section 40-43-80.   To obtain a license to engage in the practice of pharmacy, an applicant for licensure by examination shall:
(1)   have submitted a written application in the form prescribed by the Board of Pharmacy at least forty-five days before the advertised date of the licensure examination;
(2)   have received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited college or school of pharmacy or department of pharmacy of a university which is recognized by the Board, the recognition to be established by the Board on the basis of uniform and reasonable standards of educational requirements to be observed by a school or college of pharmacy or department of pharmacy of a university or have received the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Certification. The accrediting agency may include, but is not limited to, the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education. The school or college of pharmacy or department of pharmacy of universities referred to in this item must be examined and inspected by the Board of Pharmacy of South Carolina or its accrediting agency and approved by the board periodically to see that the school or college of pharmacy of the universities comply with the standards of the board and its accrediting agency as to the purpose of the college, the faculty, teaching load, size of classes, curriculum, and degrees, admission requirements, attendance, promotion and graduation, student load, instruction, library, administration, finance, physical plant, extra curricular activities, miscellaneous factors and annual progress report.
(3)   have completed an internship or other program that has been approved by the Board of Pharmacy, or demonstrated to the board's satisfaction experience in the practice of pharmacy which meets or exceeds the minimum internship requirements of the board;
(4)   have successfully passed an examination or examinations given by the Board of Pharmacy attaining a score of not less than seventy-five on the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy License Examination (NABPLEX) and the Drug Law Examination;
(5)   have paid all the appropriate fees.
Section 40-43-81.   (A)   In order for a pharmacist currently licensed in another jurisdiction to obtain a license as a pharmacist by license transfer in this State, an applicant shall:
(1)   have submitted a written application in the form prescribed by the Board of Pharmacy at least thirty days prior to the advertised date of the Pharmacy Law Exam;
(2)   have possessed at the time of initial licensure as a pharmacist all qualifications necessary to have been eligible for licensure at that time in this State;
(3)   have presented to the board proof of initial licensure by examination and proof that such license is in good standing;
(4)   have presented to the board proof that any other license granted to the applicant by any other state has not been suspended, revoked, or otherwise restricted for any reason except nonrenewal or for the failure to obtain the required continuing education credits in any state where the applicant is currently licensed but not engaged in the practice of pharmacy;
(5)   have paid the fees specified by the board;
(6)   all applicants for licensure by reciprocity shall have a law exam review with members of the board.
(B)   No applicant is eligible for license transfer unless the state in which the applicant was initially licensed as a pharmacist also grants licensure transfer to pharmacists duly licensed by examination in this State, under like circumstances and conditions.
Section 40-43-82.   (A)   The Board of Pharmacy shall register pharmacy technicians who are performing pharmacy functions under the supervision of a pharmacist.
(B)   Formal academic pharmacy technician training programs that lead to a certificate, diploma, or higher degree may be approved by the board if they include at a minimum:
(1)   introduction to pharmacy and health care systems;
(2)   pharmacy law and ethics;
(3)   pharmacy calculations;
(4)   pharmacology;
(a)   anatomy and physiology;
(b)   therapeutic agents;
(c)   prescription drugs;
(d)   nonprescription drugs;
(5)   pharmacy operations;
(a)   drug distribution systems;
(b)   records management and inventory control;
(c)   ambulatory and institutional practice;
(6)   compounding;
(a)   aseptic technique;
(b)   nonsterile compounding;
(7)   general education;
(a)   medical terminology;
(b)   interpersonal relations;
(c)   communications;
(d)   computers/keyboarding;
(8)   problem solving/critical thinking;
(9)   experiential training(practical experience).
(C)   No pharmacist whose license has been denied, revoked, suspended, or restricted for disciplinary purposes is eligible to be registered as a pharmacy technician.
Section 40-43-83.   (A)   All facilities located within this State, engaging in the manufacture, production, sale, distribution, possession, or dispensing of prescription drugs or devices and all facilities located outside of this State whose primary business is mail order pharmacy service engaging in the sale, distribution or dispensing of prescription drugs or devices in this State, must be permitted by the Board of Pharmacy, and annually shall renew the permit by June first. Where operations are conducted at more than one location, each location must be permitted by the Board of Pharmacy.
(B)   Each permittee located outside of this State who ships, mails, distributes, or delivers prescription drugs or devices in this State and every pharmacy located outside of this State who ships, mails, distributes, or delivers prescription drugs or devices in this State shall designate a registered agent in this State for service of process. Any such permittee or pharmacy who does not so designate a registered agent is deemed to have designated the Secretary of State of this State to be its true and lawful attorney, upon whom may be served all legal process in any action or proceeding against such permittee growing out of or arising from such delivery. A copy of any such service of process shall be mailed to such permittee or pharmacy by the board by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, at the address such permittee has designated on its application for licensure in this State. If any such person is not permitted in this State, service on the Secretary of State only is sufficient service.
(C)   The board shall determine and promulgate the permit classifications of all permits by regulation under this chapter and establish minimum standards for such permits:
(D)   Each pharmacy shall have a pharmacist-in-charge. Whenever an applicable rule requires or prohibits action by a pharmacy, responsibility is that of the permit holder and the pharmacist-in-charge of the pharmacy, whether the ownership is a sole proprietor, partnership, association, corporation, or otherwise.
(E)   The board may enter into agreements with other states or with third parties for the purpose of exchanging information concerning the permitting and inspection of entities located in this jurisdiction and those located outside this State.
(F)   Permits issued under this section must be displayed in a conspicuous place in the permitted facility for which it was issued in such a manner that will enable an interested person to determine the name of the permittee, permit number, and permit expiration date. The permits are not transferable.
(G)   This section must not be construed as precluding any person from owning or being a permit holder if all of the dispensing, compounding and retailing of prescription drugs in it are under the supervision and direction of a licensed pharmacist.
(H)   The Board of Pharmacy may deny or refuse to renew a permit if it determines that the granting or renewing of such permit would not be in the public interest. If an application is refused, the board shall notify the applicant in writing of its decision and the reasons for its decision.
(I)   A permit is required for the sale, distribution, possession, or dispensing of drugs bearing the legend 'Caution: Federal law prohibits dispensing without a prescription', including, but not limited to, pharmacies (institutional or community, public or private), nursing homes, hospitals, convalescent homes, extended care facilities, family planning clinics, public or private health clinics, infirmaries, wholesalers, correctional institutions, industrial health clinics, mail order vendors, and manufacturers within this State.
(J)   The board shall assess a civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars for failure to display a permit as required by this section.
Section 40-43-84.   (A)   All applicants for licensure by examination shall obtain one thousand five hundred hours of practical experience in the practice of pharmacy. The board shall establish certificate requirements for interns and standards for internship, or any other experiential program necessary to qualify an applicant for licensure. The board shall issue an intern certificate to a qualified applicant. No intern may receive credit for practical experience unless he has been issued a certificate by the board. Such certificate must be granted only to individuals who have been accepted by or graduated from an approved college of pharmacy, but no sooner than three months before beginning pharmacy school. No credit shall be given for internships worked for more than three months before beginning pharmacy school or if the student does not matriculate. A foreign pharmacy graduate may secure a certificate of registration as a pharmacy intern upon presenting to the board proof of graduation from a pharmacy school located in a foreign country and a statement of his intent to complete the requirements of the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE).
(B)   An intern may not represent himself as a pharmacist. The board shall issue to an intern a certificate for purposes of identification and verification of his role as an intern. The internship certificate must be displayed in the pharmacy or site in which the experience is being gained. No individual who has not been issued a certificate by the Board as an Intern shall take, use, or exhibit the title of Intern, or any other term of similar like or import.
(C)   An intern may engage in the practice of pharmacy if such activities are under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. A pharmacist must be in continuous personal eye and voice contact with, and actually giving instructions to, the intern during all professional activities throughout the entire period of the internship. The pharmacist shall physically review the prescription drug order and the dispensed product before the product is delivered to the patient or the patient's agent. The pharmacist is responsible for the work of the intern. A pharmacist may not supervise more than one intern at any one time.
Pharmacy interns shall not be left in sole charge of a prescription department or other approved site at any time. Violation of this may result in cancellation of any and all internship hours toward licensure that may have been accrued by the intern, and may, in the discretion of the board, cause the board after sufficient notice to the pharmacy intern, to revoke or suspend the internship certificate as provided above. The supervising pharmacist or designated pharmacist may also be subject to disciplinary action by the board.
An applicant for licensure, who is guilty of compounding or dispensing a prescription of a practitioner or selling legend drugs or medicines while not under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist may be refused licensure.
(D)   All interns shall notify the board of any change of employment or residence address within ten days.
(E)   Credit for claims of practical experience required under the pharmacy laws will not be recognized by the board unless such claims are corroborated by records on file in the board office, showing the beginning and ending of the practical experience claimed as supplied by the applicant during the training period and by the pharmacist who supervised the practical experience during the training period.
(F)   The pharmacy, site, or program in which practical experience is being obtained shall have a current, valid pharmacy permit, as required by this chapter, and the designated pharmacist shall hold a current, valid license to practice pharmacy.
Section 40-43-85.   (A)   (1)   An intern shall notify the Board of Pharmacy within ten days after the beginning and again within ten days after ending of each internship period, on forms provided by the board, of the identity of the internship site and of the designated pharmacist. This form must be certified by the designated pharmacist. The pharmacy intern is responsible for the submission of the appropriate forms within the time limits as set.
(2)   An intern may gain practical experience toward licensure as a pharmacist in any of the following areas:
(a)   retail pharmacy (community, independent or chain, out-patient clinic, and family practice) dispensing prescriptions;
(b)   institutional pharmacy (hospital or nursing home);
(c)   summer internship program sponsored by the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC);
(d)   pharmaceutical industry;
(e)   nuclear pharmacy;
(f)   Veterans Administration or other federal agency pharmacy or program;
(g)   research project in the pharmaceutical sciences;
(h)   graduate teaching assistant in college of pharmacy; or
(i)   other site or program as approved by the board.
Approval of all experience gained is left to the discretion of the board after receiving a description of the experience by the intern and designated pharmacist.
(3)   Where practical experience is gained in a pharmacy, other site, or program located outside of the State, the board has the discretion to determine whether such experience meets the requirements of the board. The applicant shall submit from the secretary of the Board of Pharmacy of the state in which practical experience was gained certification of the validity of the supervising pharmacists license and the pharmacy permit.
(4)   A minimum of five hundred hours of practical experience must be obtained in a retail or institutional pharmacy.
(5)   A maximum of five hundred hours of internship credit may be given for participation in an externship program approved by a recognized college of pharmacy. Hours earned must be certified by the college of pharmacy, none of which may be used to fulfill the requirement in subsection (A)(4). The pharmacy at which an intern is being trained shall provide an environment that is conducive to the learning of the practice of pharmacy by an intern. It is expected that the intern will be exposed to all facets of the practice of pharmacy in that setting, including but not limited to:
(a)   evaluation of prescription drug orders;
(b)   preparation and labeling of drugs;
(c)   dispensing of drugs;
(d)   patient profile update and review;
(e)   drug use review;
(f)   patient counseling; and
(g)   proper and safe storage of drugs.
(6)   Students enrolled in an approved doctor of pharmacy program consisting of six or more years of collegiate studies may receive internship credit for up to one thousand hours for practice related experiences upon completion of such program the number of hours certified by the college of pharmacy, none of which shall be used to fulfill the requirements in subsection (A)(4).
(7)   A pharmacy, site, or program offering interns practical experience toward licensure as a pharmacist shall conform to the best traditions of pharmacy, shall have available all necessary reference books, in addition to the official standards and current professional journals and periodicals, and must be operated at all times under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist as required by law. The designated pharmacist must signify willingness to train interns desiring to obtain practical experience in accordance with this chapter.
(8)   No more than forty hours per week of internship training may be allowed.
Section 40-43-86.   (A)   A pharmacy, at a minimum, shall:
(1)   be of sufficient size to allow for the safe and proper storage of prescription drugs and for the safe and proper compounding and preparation of prescription drug orders;
(2)   maintain an area designated for the provision of patient counseling services. This area must be designed to provide a reasonable expectation of privacy;
(3)   maintain on file current drug reference materials. The references should enable the user to find information using the brand name, generic name, pharmacologic group, therapeutic group and synonym.
(4)   update drug monographs monthly, which include the following prescribing information: actions, indications, contradictions, warning and precautions, drug interactions, adverse reactions, patient information, overdosage, administration and dosage.
(5)   update this product information monthly:
(a)   products grouped by dosage or strength;
(b)   identical brand name products;
(c)   distributor name;
(d)   package sizes for all dosage forms;
(e)   product identification;
(f)   whether prescription or nonprescription;
(g)   controlled substance schedule;
(h)   combination products comparison;
(i)   products with identical formulations.
(6)   update new development information monthly:
(a)   significant recent drug therapy developments;
(b)   information on investigational agents;
(c)   recent new product information and product listing changes.
(7)   maintain a copy of Equivalent Drug Product Evaluations;
(8)   have a current copy of the South Carolina Pharmacy Practice Act, South Carolina Controlled Substances Act and Regulations, South Carolina Drug Act, and South Carolina Board of Pharmacy Newsletter;
(9)   maintain patient-oriented reference material for guidance in proper drug usage;
(10)   maintain storage areas at temperatures which shall ensure the integrity of the drugs prior to their dispensing as stipulated by the USP/NF and/or the Manufacturer's or distributor's labeling.
(11)   have access to a sink with hot and cold running water that is in the compounding area.
(12)   have a pharmacist who, while on duty, is responsible for the security of the pharmacy department including provision of effective control against theft or diversion of drugs or devices, or both.
(13)   have secured its pharmacy by either a physical barrier with suitable locks or an electronic barrier, or both, to detect entry at a time the pharmacist is not present. The barrier must be approved by the Board of Pharmacy before being put into use.
(14)   display, when the pharmacy department is closed or in the absence of the licensed pharmacist, a sign stating 'Pharmacy Department Closed, Pharmacist Not On Duty' displayed during the absence of the licensed pharmacist.
(15)   carry, utilize, and maintain according to manufacturer's specifications the equipment and supplies necessary to conduct a pharmacy in a manner that is in the best interest of the patients served and to comply with all state and federal laws;
(16)   maintain the area and equipment in which prescriptions are compounded and dispensed in a clean and orderly condition and:
(a)   the prescription department must be kept dry and well ventilated, free from obnoxious odors, and equipped with adequate lighting facilities;
(b)   drugs, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals must be arranged in a neat, orderly manner, free from dust, insects, rodents, or any type of contamination;
(c)   all outdated, damaged, defaced, or unlabeled drugs, pharmaceuticals, biologicals, and chemicals must be removed from active stock;
(d)   pharmaceuticals and biologicals requiring refrigeration must be kept stored in a refrigerator at the specified temperature;
(e)   all stocks and materials used in the compounding of prescriptions must be labeled and conform in purity and strength as required by law;
(f)   the prescription counter area upon which prescriptions are compounded must be used for no other purpose than for compounding prescriptions;
(g)   the prescription department shall maintain only such instruments, equipment, materials, drugs, pharmaceuticals, biologicals, chemicals, and medicines as are necessary in the compounding and dispensing of prescriptions and pharmaceutical preparations;
(h)   all instruments, articles, and containers used in the compounding and dispensing of prescriptions and pharmaceutical preparations must be clean and free form all foreign substances;
(i)   the sink, with hot water connection, of the prescription department must be used for no other purpose than for cleaning of instruments and materials used in the compounding and dispensing of prescriptions and medicines, or the cleansing of the hands of those preparing and compounding;
(j)   all pharmacists, before compounding prescriptions, and supportive personnel assisting pharmacists, shall thoroughly cleanse their fingernails and wash their hands;
(k)   the storing of drugs, medicines, pharmaceuticals, or consumable materials used in compounding and dispensing prescriptions and pharmaceutical preparations in the washroom or toilet of a pharmacy is prohibited.
(B)   (1)   No person may operate a pharmacy without a pharmacist-in-charge. The pharmacist-in-charge of a pharmacy must be designated in and sign the application for the pharmacy permit, and in each renewal thereof. A pharmacist may not serve as pharmacist-in-charge unless he is physically present in the pharmacy a sufficient amount of time to provide supervision and control. A pharmacist may not serve as pharmacist-in-charge for more than one pharmacy at any one time without written permission from the board.
(2)   Each institutional pharmacy shall be directed by a pharmacist, hereinafter referred to as the pharmacist-in-charge who is licensed to engage in the practice of pharmacy in this State.
(3)   The pharmacist-in-charge shall have the following responsibilities:
(a)   developing and/or implementing quality assurance programs for pharmacy services designed to objectively and systematically monitor and evaluate the quality and appropriateness of patient care, pursue opportunities to improve patient care, and resolve identified problems. Quality assurance programs shall be designed to prevent and detect drug diversion;
(b)   establishing or implementing, or both, written policies and procedures for the procurement, storage, security, and disposition of drugs and devices;
(c)   establishing or implementing, or both, written policies and procedures for the provision of pharmacy services;
(d)   assuring that all pharmacists, technicians, and interns employed at the pharmacy are currently licensed, certified, or registered and that interns and technicians wear proper identification while on duty;
(e)   notifying the Board of Pharmacy immediately of any of the following changes:
(i)   change of employment or responsibility as the pharmacist-in-charge;
(ii)   change of ownership of the pharmacy;
(iii)   change of address of the pharmacy; or
(iv)   permanent closing of the pharmacy.
(f)   making or filing any reports required by state or federal laws and regulations;
(g)   responding to the Board of Pharmacy regarding any violations brought to the pharmacist-in-charge's attention.
(4)   The pharmacist-in-charge must be assisted by a sufficient number of licensed pharmacists and registered pharmacy technicians as may be required to competently and safely provide pharmacy services.
(a)   The pharmacist-in-charge shall maintain and file with the Board of Pharmacy, on a form provided by the board, a current list of all pharmacy technicians assisting in the provision of pharmacy services.
(b)   The pharmacist-in-charge shall develop and implement written policies and procedures to specify the duties to be performed by pharmacy technicians. The duties and responsibilities of these personnel shall be consistent with their training and experience. These policies and procedures shall, at a minimum, specify that pharmacy technicians are to be personally supervised by a licensed pharmacist who has the ability to control and who is responsible for the activities of pharmacy technicians, and that pharmacy technicians are not assigned duties that may be performed only by a licensed pharmacist. One pharmacist may not supervise more than two pharmacy technicians at a time; however, the number of pharmacy technicians does not include personnel in the prescription area performing only clerical functions including data entry up to the point of dispensing as defined in Section 40-43-30(14). In pharmacy practice sites where other licensed health care professionals are authorized to administer drugs, the full-time pharmacist-to-technician ratio may not exceed a one-to-two employment ratio.
(5)   The pharmacist-in-charge shall develop or implement, or both, a procedure for proper management of drug recalls which may include, where appropriate, contacting patients to whom the recalled drug products have been dispensed.
(6)   The pharmacist-in-charge shall establish or implement, or both written policies and procedures for provision of drugs and medical staff and other authorized personnel whenever a licensed pharmacist is not physically present in an institutional facility by use of night cabinets and/or by access to the pharmacy. A licensed pharmacist must be on call at all times.
(a)   In the absence of a pharmacist, only specifically authorized personnel shall have access by key or combination to the night cabinets. Such enclosures, which are to be located outside of the pharmacy, must be sufficiently secure to prevent access by unauthorized persons.
(b)   The pharmacist-in-charge, in conjunction with the appropriate committee of the institutional facility, shall develop inventory listings of those drugs to be included in the cabinet and determine who may have access, and ensure that:
(i)   the drugs are properly labeled;
(ii)   only prepackaged drugs are available, in amounts sufficient for immediate therapeutic requirements;
(iii)   whenever access to the cabinet occurs, written practitioner's orders and proofs of use are provided;
(iv)   all drugs therein are inventoried no less than once a week;
(v)   a complete audit of all activity concerning the cabinet is conducted no less than once a month; and
(vi)   written policies and procedures are established to implement the requirements of this section.
(c)   If a drug is not available from floor supplies or night cabinets, and the drug is required to treat the immediate needs of a patient whose health would otherwise be jeopardized, the drug may be obtained from the pharmacy only by authorized personnel. Removal of a drug from the pharmacy must be recorded on a suitable form showing patient name, room number, name of drug, strength, amount, date, time, and signature of authorized personnel. The form must be left with the container from which the drug was removed and must be reviewed by a licensed pharmacist within seventy-two hours.
(d)   For an institutional facility that does not have an institutional pharmacy, drugs may be provided for use by authorized personnel in emergency kits located at the facility. The kits must meet the following requirements:
(i)   emergency kit drugs must be those drugs which may be required to meet the immediate therapeutic needs of patients and which are not available from any other authorized source in sufficient time to prevent risk of harm to patients by delay resulting from obtaining the drugs from the other sources;
(ii)   all emergency kit drugs must be provided and sealed by a pharmacist;
(iii)   the supplying pharmacist and the medical staff of the institutional facility shall jointly determine the drugs, by identity and quantity, to be included in emergency kits;
(iv)   emergency kits must be stored in secured areas to prevent unauthorized access, and to ensure a proper environment for preservation of the drugs within them;
(v)   the exterior of each emergency kit must be labeled to clearly indicate that it is an emergency drug kit for use in emergencies only. The label shall contain a listing of the drugs contained in the kit, including name, strength, and quantity of the contents, and the name, address, and telephone number of the supplying pharmacist;
(vi)   drugs must be removed from emergency kits only pursuant to a valid medical order;
(vii)   whenever an emergency kit is opened, the supplying pharmacist must be notified and the pharmacist shall restock and reseal the kit within a reasonable time to prevent risk of harm to patients; and
(viii)   the expiration date of an emergency kit is the earliest date of expiration of a drug or device supplied in the kit. Upon the occurrence of the expiration date, the supplying pharmacist shall replace the expired drug or device.
(C)   Except for a pharmacy, wholesaler, or a permitted facility that supplies only oxygen, every holder of a permit from the board shall designate a pharmacist duly licensed by the Board of Pharmacy as a consultant pharmacist to be responsible for the duties as stated in this chapter at the permit holder's location. The consultant pharmacist shall sign a new or renewal application along with the permit holder and agree in writing to assume the responsibilities of consultant pharmacist. every holder of a permit from the board shall designate a pharmacist duly licensed by the Board of Pharmacy as a consultant pharmacist to be responsible for the duties as stated in this chapter at the permit holder's location. The consultant pharmacist shall sign a new or renewal application along with the permit holder and agree in writing to assume the responsibilities of consultant pharmacist.
(1)The consultant pharmacist must be consistent with the accepted standards of professional conduct and practice and responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and regulations including:
(a)   establishing as applicable to the permit, policies, and procedures for the procurement, storage, compounding, dispensing, and distribution of drugs;
(b)   establishing and supervising the record keeping system for the purchase, sale, possession, storage, safekeeping, and return of drugs;
(c)   facilitating drug recalls and the removal of outdated and adulterated drugs;
(d)   supervising all employees of the permit holder whose duties relate to the procurement, compounding, sale, distribution, and storage of drugs;
(e)   acting as a drug information resource for the staff by bringing new and current drug information to their attention and being available by phone for questions;
(f)   performing written monthly inspections that are readily available.
(2)   The outgoing consultant pharmacist and the permit holder shall notify the board in writing within ten days of a change of consultant pharmacist.
(3)   No designation of an individual as a consultant pharmacist or delegation of duties to a consultant pharmacist by a holder of a pharmacy permit shall relieve the permit holder of any of the permit holder's duties under state or federal laws or regulations.
(D)   In addition to the duties and responsibilities contained in this section, a consultant pharmacist for an institutional facility shall review the record of each institutional resident receiving medication for potential adverse reactions, allergies, interactions, and laboratory test modification and advise the physician of any recommended changes in the medication regimen. This review must be conducted monthly and documented on the resident's medical record.
(E)   A prescription drug order shall contain at a minimum, the:
(1)   full name and address of the patient;
(2)   name, address, telephone number, and degree classification of the prescriber; license number, and Drug Enforcement Agency registration number of the prescribing practitioner where required by law;
(3)   date of issuance;
(4)   name, strength, dosage form, and quantity of drug prescribed;
(5)   directions for use;
(6)   number of refills authorized. No prescription marked 'PRN' or any other nonspecified number of refills may be refilled more than two years beyond the date it was originally written. Nothing in this subsection abridges the right of a pharmacist to refuse to fill or refill a prescription; and
(7)   a written order signed by the prescriber, which shall bear the name of the patient; name, strength, and quantity of the drug or device prescribed; directions for use; date of issue; and, either rubber stamped, typed, printed by hand, or typeset, the name, address, telephone number and degree classification of the prescriber, and, if a controlled substance is prescribed, the prescriber's federal registration number;
(8)   only one drug and set of instructions for each blank, if pre-printed;
(9)   a chart order is exempt from the requirements of Section 40-43-86(E).
(F)   A prescription drug order must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a practitioner acting within the course of legitimate professional practice. The prescription drug order must be received at the pharmacy as it was originally transmitted. Each prescription drug order becomes part of a permanent record and must be readily retrievable. The institutional pharmacist must review the physician's drug order, or a direct copy, prior to dispensing any drug (except for emergency use). Electronically transmitted prescription drug orders shall meet these requirements:
(1)   must be sent only to a pharmacy of the patient's choice;
(2)   must be received at the pharmacy as it was originally transmitted by facsimile or computer and shall include the name and address of the practitioner, the phone number for verbal confirmation, the time and date of transmission, and the name of the pharmacy intended to receive the transmission, as well as any other information required by federal or state law;
(3)   a pharmacist may dispense prescription drug orders transmitted electronically only when transmitted by an authorized practitioner or his designated agent;
(4)   the pharmacist shall exercise professional judgment regarding the accuracy or authenticity of the transmitted prescription drug order consistent with existing federal or state laws and regulations.
(5)   any alterations of electronic transfer of a prescription drug order or information constitutes an unlawful act which will be prosecuted by the Attorney General of this State.
(6)   the prescribing practitioner may authorize his agent to transmit a prescription drug order orally or electronically to the pharmacy provided that the identity of the transmitting agent is included in the order.
(G)   (1)   The one-time transfer of original prescription information for the purpose of dispensing one refill is permissible between pharmacies in this State subject to these requirements:
(a)   The transfer must be communicated directly between two pharmacists and not by one pharmacist accessing an information file containing data for several locations, unless all locations accessed are under common ownership or accessed pursuant to contractual agreement of the pharmacies;
(b)   The transferring pharmacist shall reduce any remaining refills by one and so mark the face of the prescription retained by the transferring pharmacist or record information electronically;
(c)   The transferring pharmacist shall record the name and address of the pharmacy to which the prescription was transferred and the name of the pharmacist receiving the prescription information on the reverse side of the transferred prescription or record information electronically.
(2)   The transferring pharmacist shall record the date of the transfer and the name of the pharmacist transferring the information;
(3)   The transferring pharmacist shall record on the prescription transferred or record information electronically that the receiving pharmacist is authorized to dispense one refill based on the original prescription, if such is the case;
(4)   The pharmacist receiving the transferred prescription information shall record in writing or electronically the following:
(a)   the word 'transfer' on the face of the transferred prescription;
(b)   any information required to be on a prescription, including:
(i)   the date of issuance of the original prescription;
(ii)   the date and time of transfer;
(iii)   the pharmacy's name, address, and original prescription number from which the prescription information was transferred;
(c)   the name of the transferring pharmacist;
(d)   the manufacturer or brand name of drug dispensed; and
(e)   a statement that the receiving pharmacist shall dispense only one refill based on the transferring pharmacist's certification under subsection (G).
(5)   The pharmacist receiving the transferred prescription shall dispense only one refill. The transferring pharmacist shall retain the original prescription and shall continue to dispense refills up to the amount for the period authorized less one refill allocated to the receiving pharmacist.
(6)   The requirements of this section may be facilitated by use of a computer, data, or facsimile.
(7)   All records pertinent to this section must be readily available.
(8)   A copy of a prescription issued for restricted drugs must be given and marked for information only. The copy may not be dispensed as a prescription. A physician must be contacted for authorization of the dispensing. This authorization must be handled in the same manner as an oral or telephone prescription, reduced to writing, and placed on the prescription file.
(9)   Both the original and transferred prescription drug order must be maintained for a period of two years from the date of last refill.
(10)   The transfer of prescription information for the purpose of dispensing authorized refills is permissible between pharmacies where all pharmacies are under common ownership and access prescription information through a common computerized data system, subject to subsection (G)(1)(c), (G)(2), (G)(6), (G)(7), (G)(8) and (G)(9).
(H)   (1)   Upon receiving a prescription for a brand name product, a registered pharmacist may in his professional judgment substitute an equivalent drug product as provided in this subsection.
(2)   Every oral or written drug prescription shall provide an authorization from the practitioner as to whether or not an equivalent drug product may be substituted.
(3)   A written prescription shall have two signature lines at opposite ends on the bottom of the form. Under the line at the left side shall be clearly printed the words 'Dispense As Written'. Under the line at the right side shall be clearly printed the words 'Substitution Permitted'. The practitioner shall communicate the instructions to the pharmacist by signing on the appropriate line. No written prescription is valid without the signature of the practitioner on one of these lines.
(4)   An oral prescription from the practitioner shall instruct the pharmacist as to whether or not an equivalent drug product may be substituted. The pharmacist shall note the instructions on the file copy of the prescription and retain the prescription form for the period as prescribed by law.
(5)   The pharmacist shall note the brand name or the manufacturer of the substituted drug dispensed on the file copy of a written or oral prescription or record this information electronically, or both. If substitution occurs, the prescription label shall contain the generic name of the drug and its manufacturer listed first, followed by the words `substituted for', and the brand name prescribed drug in this information must be affixed to the container or an auxiliary label, unless the prescribing practitioner indicated that the name of the drug may not appear upon the prescription label.
(6)   Substitution may not occur unless the pharmacist advises the patient or the patient's agent that the practitioner has authorized substitution and the patient, or patient's agent, consents.
(I)   (1)   All drugs dispensed for use by inpatients of a hospital or other health care facility, where the drug is not in the possession of the ultimate user prior to administration, shall meet these requirements:
(a)   The label of a single unit package of an individual-dose or unit-dose system of packaging of drugs shall include:
(i)   the nonproprietary or proprietary name of the drug;
(ii)   the route of administration, if other than oral;
(iii)   the strength and volume, where appropriate, expressed in the metric system whenever possible;
(iv)   the control number and expiration date;
(v)   special storage conditions, if required.
(b)   A log book must be maintained identifying the repackager, the name of the drug, the lot number, the manufacturer, the facility control number, the expiration date, the quantity, and the initials of the pharmacist.
(c)   When a multiple-dose drug distribution system is utilized, including dispensing of single-unit packages, the drugs must be dispensed in a container to which is affixed a label containing the:
(i)   patient's name;
(ii)   date of dispensing;
(iii)   nonproprietary or proprietary name of the drug dispensed, or both; and
(iv)   strength, expressed in the metric system whenever possible.
(2)   All drugs dispensed to inpatients for self-administration shall be labeled in accordance with item (4).
(3)   If any drugs are added to parenteral solutions, these admixtures shall bear a distinctive label indicating:
(a)   name of solution and volume of solution;
(b)   patient's name;
(c)   infusion rate;
(d)   bottle sequence number or other system control method;
(e)   name and quantity of each additive;
(f)   date of preparation;
(g)   beyond-use date and time of parenteral admixture;
(h)   ancillary precaution labels; and
(i)   identity of preparer and checking pharmacist.
(4)   All drugs dispensed to ambulatory or outpatients shall contain a label affixed to the container in which the drug is dispensed including:
(a)   the name and address of the pharmacy dispensing the drug;
(b)   the name of the patient for whom the drug is prescribed;
(c)   the name of the prescribing practitioner;
(d)   such directions as may be stated on the prescription drug order;
(e)   the date of dispensing;
(f)   any cautions which may be required by federal or state law;
(g)   the serial number of the prescription drug order;
(h)   the name or initials of the dispensing pharmacist;
(i)   the proprietary or generic name of the drug dispensed and its strength, if more than one strength of the drug is marketed;
(j)   the brand name of the drug product dispensed or the generic name of the drug product dispensed and its manufacturer or labeler, either written in full or appropriately abbreviated;
(k)   when dispensing a prescribed medication, if a pharmacist selects an equivalent drug product for a name-brand prescribed drug, the generic drug name must either be listed on the prescription label first followed by the name-brand prescribed drug, or this information must be affixed to the container on an auxiliary label.
(5)   Drugs other than sample medication provided by a manufacturer to a prescriber for patient use shall meet all requirements of labeling.
(6)   No radiopharmaceutical may be dispensed unless a label is affixed to the immediate container bearing:
(a)   the standard radiation symbol;
(b)   the words 'Caution--Radioactive Material'; and
(c)   the prescription number.
(7)   No radiopharmaceutical may be dispensed unless a label is affixed to the outer or delivery container bearing the:
(a)   standard radiation symbol;
(b)   words 'Caution--Radioactive Material';
(c)   radionuclide and chemical form;
(d)   activity and date and time of assay;
(e)   volume if in liquid form;
(f)   requested activity and the calibrated activity;
(g)   prescription number;
(h)   patient name or space for patient name. Where the patient's name is not available at the time of dispensing, a seventy-two hour exemption is allowed to obtain the name of the patient. No later than seventy-two hours after dispensing the radiopharmaceutical, the patient's name shall become a part of the prescription drug order to be retained for two years;
(i)   name and address of the nuclear pharmacy;
(j)   name of the practitioner; and
(k)   lot number of the prescription.
(8)   A package prepared by a pharmacist containing two or more drugs prescribed for a specific patient shall meet USP labeling requirements.
(J)   (1)   A pharmacy patient record system must be maintained by all pharmacies for patients for whom prescription drug orders are dispensed. The pharmacy patient record system shall provide for the immediate retrieval of information necessary for the dispensing pharmacist to identify previously dispensed drugs at the time a prescription drug order is presented for dispensing. The pharmacist shall make a reasonable effort to obtain, record, and maintain the:
(a)   full name of the patient for whom the drug is intended;
(b)   address and telephone number of the patient;
(c)   patient's age or date of birth;
(d)   patient's gender;
(e)   list of all prescription drug orders obtained by the patient at the pharmacy during the two years immediately preceding the most recent entry showing the prescription number, name, and strength of the drug, the quantity and date received, the number of refills given, the date of each refill, the identity and quantity of each refill if different from the prescribed quantity, the identity of dispensing pharmacist and the name of the practitioner; and
(f)   pharmacist comments relevant to the individual's drug therapy, including any other information peculiar to the specific patient or drug.
(2)   The pharmacist shall make a reasonable effort to obtain information from the patient or the patient's agent regarding any known allergies, drug reactions, idiosyncrasies, and chronic conditions or disease states of the patient and the identity of any other drugs, including over-the-counter drugs, or devices currently being used by the patient which may relate to prospective drug review. This information shall be recorded in the patient's record.
(3)   A pharmacy patient record must be maintained for a period of not less than two years from the date of the last entry in the profile record. This record may be a hard copy or a computerized form.
(K)   A pharmacist shall review the pharmacy patient record and each prescription drug order presented for dispensing for purposes of promoting therapeutic appropriateness by identifying:
(1)   over-utilization or under-utilization;
(2)   therapeutic duplication;
(3)   drug-disease contraindications;
(4)   drug-drug interactions;
(5)   incorrect drug dosage or duration of drug treatment;
(6)   drug-allergy interactions;
(7)   clinical abuse/misuse.
Upon recognizing any of the above, the pharmacist shall take appropriate steps to avoid or resolve the problem which shall, as appropriate include consultation with the practitioner.
(L)(1)   Upon receipt of a prescription drug order for a new medication and following review of the patient's pharmacy record, the pharmacist shall personally offer counseling to the patient or the patient's agent. Using his best professional judgment, the pharmacist's counseling shall include a discussion of those matters that the pharmacist considers appropriate for the patient or patient's agent in that particular situation.
The discussion must be in person, whenever practicable, or by telephone and shall include appropriate elements of patient counseling. The elements may include:
(a)   the name and description of the drug;
(b)   the dosage form, dose, route of administration, and duration of drug therapy;
(c)   intended use of the drug and expected action;
(d)   special directions and precautions for preparation, administration, and use by the patient;
(e)   potentially serious side effects or interactions and therapeutic contraindications that   may be encountered, including their avoidance, and the action required if they occur;
(f)   techniques for self-monitoring drug therapy;
(g)   proper storage;
(h)   prescription refill information;
(i)   action to be taken in the event of a missed dose; and
(j)   pharmacist comments relevant to the individual's drug therapy, including any other information peculiar to the specific patient or drug.
(2)   Alternative forms of patient information may be used to supplement patient counseling when appropriate including, but not limited to, written information leaflets, pictogram labels, or video programs.
(3)   Patient counseling is not required for inpatients or emergency department patients of a hospital or institution where other licensed health care professionals are authorized to administer the drug.
(4)   A pharmacist is not required to counsel a patient or caregiver when the patient or caregiver refuses the consultation.
(M)   Significant adverse drug reactions must be reported to the prescriber immediately upon discovery. Appropriate entry on the patient's record also must be made.
(N)   Records of dispensing, which are readily retrievable within twenty-four hours, for all drugs or devices are to be made and kept by pharmacies for two years and shall include, but are not limited to:
(1)   quantity dispensed for original and refills, if different from original;
(2)   date of dispensing;
(3)   serial number or equivalent if an institution;
(4)   the identification of the pharmacist responsible for dispensing;
(5)   name and manufacturer of drug dispensed if drug product selection occurs; and
(6)   records of refills to date.
(O)(1)   An up-to-date policy and procedure manual must be maintained by the pharmacist-in-charge that explains the operational aspects of an automated system and shall:
(a)   include examples of all required output documentation provided by the automated system;
(b)   outline steps to be followed when the automated system is not operational due to scheduled or unscheduled system interruption;
(c)   outline regular and routine backup file procedure and file maintenance;
(d)   outline audit procedures, personnel code assignments, and personnel responsibilities;
(e)   provide a quality assurance mechanism for data entry validation.
(2)   The automated system shall have the capability of producing sight-readable information on all original and refill prescription drug orders. The term 'sight-readable' means that an authorized individual must be able to examine the record and read the information from the cathode ray tube (CRT), microfiche, microfilm, printout, or other method acceptable to the Board of Pharmacy.
The automated system shall provide on-line retrieval (via CRT display or hard-copy printout) of original prescription drug order information. The information shall include, but is not limited to, the prescription drug order requirements and records of dispensing.
The automated system shall have the capability of producing a printout of any prescription drug order data. The system shall provide a refill-by-refill audit trail for any specified strength and dosage form of any drug. The audit trail must be by printout, and shall include the name of the prescribing practitioner, name and location of the patient, quantity dispensed on each refill, date of Dispensing of each refill, name or identification code of the dispensing pharmacist and unique identifier of the prescription drug order.
A facility maintaining centralized prescription records must be capable of sending a requested printout to the pharmacy within seventy-two hours.
(3)   To maintain the confidentiality of patient records, the system shall have adequate security and systems safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, modification, or manipulation of pharmacy patient records. Once the drug has been dispensed, any alterations in prescription drug order data must be documented including the identification of the pharmacist responsible for the alteration.
(4)   In the event of an unscheduled system interruption, sufficient patient data and prescription drug order data must be available to permit reconstruction of such data within a two-hour time period for the pharmacist to dispense drugs with sound professional judgment.
An auxiliary system shall be established for the documentation of refills if the automated data processing system is inoperative for any reason and to ensure that all refills are authorized by the original prescription drug order and that the maximum number of refills is not exceeded.
The auxiliary system shall be in place to provide for the maintenance of all necessary patient drug information until the automated system becomes operational. However, nothing in this subsection shall preclude the pharmacist from using professional judgment for the benefit of a patient's health and safety.
When the automated system is restored to operation, the information regarding prescription drug orders dispensed and refilled during the inoperative period must be entered into the automated system.
Routine backup systems and procedures (hard copy, copy, disc, etc.) must be in place and operational to ensure against loss of patient data.
In the event that permanent dispensing information is lost due to unscheduled system interruption, the Board of Pharmacy must be notified within seventy-two hours of the loss or of the discovery of the loss.
(P)   If a pharmacist receives a request for a prescription refill and the pharmacist is unable to obtain refill authorization from the prescriber, the pharmacist may dispense a one-time emergency refill of up to a seventy-two hour supply of the prescribed medication if:
(1)   the prescription is not for a controlled substance;
(2)   the medication is essential to the maintenance of life or to the continuation of therapy;
(3)   in the pharmacist's professional judgment, continuing the therapy for seventy-two hours will produce no undesirable health consequences or cause physical or mental discomfort;
(4)   the pharmacist properly records the dispensing; and
(5)   the dispensing pharmacist notifies the prescriber of the emergency dispensing within seventy-two hours after the one-time emergency refill dispensing.
(Q)   Machines used in the prescription drug distribution process must be under the control of and are the responsibility of a licensed pharmacist.
The pharmacist-in-charge shall establish or implement, or both, written procedures for the safe and efficient distribution of drugs and for the provision of Pharmacy care. An annual updated copy of these procedures shall be on hand for inspection by the Board of Pharmacy.
Drugs brought into an institutional facility by a patient may not be administered unless they can be identified. If such drugs cannot be administered, then according to pharmacy procedures specified in writing, the drugs must be turned into the pharmacy which shall package and seal them and return them to an adult member of the patient's immediate family, or store and return them to the patient upon discharge.
Investigational drugs which are used within an institutional facility must be stored in and dispensed from the pharmacy only. All information with respect to investigational drugs must be maintained in the pharmacy.
All drug storage areas must be routinely inspected by pharmacy personnel to ensure that no outdated or unusable items are present, and that all stock items are properly labeled and stored.
A written stop-order policy or other system must be established by the institutional pharmacists-in-charge to ensure that drug orders are not inappropriately continued.
There must be a written policy and procedure for providing pharmacy services in the event of a disaster. This shall be reviewed annually by all pharmacy staff members and so documented.
(R)(1)   it is unlawful for a person, except a pharmacist licensed under this chapter and pursuant to the regulations of the board of pharmacy to:
(a)   take, use, or exhibit the title 'pharmacist', 'druggist', 'pharmacy', 'drugstore', 'drugs', 'prescriptions', or any other title, sign, display, or declaration that tends to lead the public to believe that the person is engaged in the business of selling, compounding, or dispensing any prescription drugs; or
(b)   have charge of, engage in, or carry on, for himself or another, the dispensing, compounding, or sale of any prescription drugs anywhere within this State.
(2)   Except as prescribed by this chapter, it is unlawful for a person to practice as a pharmacist or to advertise or represent himself by a title, sign, display, declaration, or other item to be a pharmacist or to engage in, conduct, carry on, or be employed in the dispensing, compounding, or retailing of any prescription drugs within this State.
(3)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, pharmacies and apothecaries are permitted to advertise the retail price of all drugs sold by prescription.
(4)   Those merchants selling varieties of health and beauty needs, including that class of personal care products and nonprescription drugs which do not require a prescription for sale at retail, may use and display the term 'drug-sundries' in advertising, if these conditions are met:
(a)   the word 'drug-sundries' is a hyphenated word;
(b)   the word 'drug-sundries' must appear all on one line;
(c)   the two parts of the word must be of equal size lettering, of the same color, and the same style print or script; and
(d)   no effort may be made to mislead the public that there is a full drug and prescription service available.
(5)   Nothing in this section authorizes the board to promulgate regulations concerning the prices of goods or drugs sold by outlets, the hours that the business may be operated, or the hours of work of the employees of the businesses.
(S)   Licensed pharmacists may sell pharmaceutical agents, other than controlled substances as defined in Section 44-53-110, to optometrists who are diagnostically certified by the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry for diagnostic purposes in the practice of optometry in accordance with Section 40-37-105(A). For these purposes, 'pharmaceutical agent' means anesthetics, mydriatics, cyclopegics, miotics, dyes, and over-the-counter drugs.
Licensed pharmacists may sell pharmaceutical agents, other than Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances as defined in Section 44-53-110, to optometrists who are therapeutically certified by the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the practice of optometry in accordance with Section 40-37-105(B).
(T)   Duties that must be performed by a licensed pharmacist or a pharmacy intern or extern within the practice of pharmacy, to exclude Home Medical Equipment providers, include, but are not limited to:
(1)   the interpretation and evaluation of medical orders;
(2)   participation in drug and device selection;
(3)   provision of patient counseling;
(4)   performing drug regimen reviews;
(5)   provision of pharmacy care; and
(6)   receiving telephone or verbal medical orders from licensed practitioners.
A licensed pharmacist shall supervise the activities of a pharmacy technician to ensure all activities are performed completely, safely, and without risk of harm to patients.
(U)   Nonprescription drugs which can be sold by all retailers in the manufacturer's original package, also may be dispensed and profiled by pharmacists. When dispensed in this manner by a pharmacist, the drug must be treated in all respects as a prescription drug and all prescription drug counseling and labeling requirements apply.
(V)   A manufacturer or wholesaler shall supply insulin only to persons or entities that can legally possess prescription drugs.
(W)   The American Pharmaceutical Association Code of Ethics will be adopted as the code of ethics for pharmacists in this State.
(X)   Physicians who are in charge or who directly supervise the operation of emergency rooms may dispense legend drugs in order to meet the immediate needs of the patient. The amount dispensed may not exceed an amount equal to a seventy-two hour supply. Records of drugs dispensed must be maintained. A valid physician-patient relationship shall exist between the emergency room physician and the patient before dispensing legend drugs in the emergency room.
(Y)   It is unlawful for a person to deliver prescription drugs to any permitted facility, at any time when the facility is not open for business, unless shipments are received by an authorized employee of the facility or into a secure area, or both.
(Z)   A current record showing disposition of all restricted pharmaceutical preparations, such as federal legend drugs, exempt class V, insulin, controlled substances, poisons and any other drugs so designated by the board, dispensed or sold to physicians, dentists, veterinarians, pharmacies, hospitals or other persons authorized by law to possess drugs restricted to sale on prescription only, must be maintained for two years in the prescription files or in the records of the permitted facility showing the name of the person to whom dispensed or sold, the name, strength, and quantity dispensed or sold and the date of the transaction.
Every pharmacist or other person selling nonlegend poison must be satisfied that the purchase is made for legitimate purposes and keep a book on file in which must be recorded every sale of the following articles: arsenic and its preparations, all metallic cyanides and cyanides of potassium, tartar emetic, corrosive sublimate, aconite and alkaloids, and their salts, and hydrocyanic acid. The record shall exhibit the name of the person to whom the poison was sold, and the purpose of purchase stated. The book or file must be kept at all times subject to inspection of the coroner of the county and the solicitor or inspector of the Board of Pharmacy or any other person as either of them may designate.
These above-named poisons, and oxalic acid, chloroform, or any other poisonous articles that may be added to the list by the board, must be securely labeled 'Poison' when sold in the permitted facility.
Nothing in this section may be construed to apply to the filling of prescriptions written by physicians.
(AA)   No pharmacist or permit holder shall reuse, sell, or offer for sale a prescription or other medication intended for internal or external use which has been returned unless the pharmacist accepting the medication determines in his best professional judgment that the strength, potency, and stability of the medication have not been adversely affected or contaminated.
(BB)   The fees for a permit to open a new pharmacy and for the annual renewal of a permit to operate a pharmacy must be promulgated by the board in regulation in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act. The following fees are in effect until these fees are promulgated in regulation:
(1)   one hundred dollars for a permit to open a new pharmacy;
(2)   fifty dollars for the annual renewal of a permit to operate a pharmacy.
(CC)(1)   The provisions of this subsection only apply to the compounding of medication by pharmacies permitted in the State of South Carolina.
(2)   The following are the minimum current good compounding practices for the preparation of medications by pharmacists licensed in the State for dispensing or administering, or both, to humans or animals:
(a)   Pharmacists engaged in the compounding of drugs shall operate in conformance with applicable laws regulating the practice of pharmacy;
(b)   Based on the existence of a pharmacist/patient/practitioner relationship and the presentation of a valid prescription, or in anticipation of prescription medication orders based on routine, regularly observed prescribing patterns, pharmacists may compound, for an individual patient medications that are commercially available in the market place;
(c)   Pharmacists shall receive, store, or use drug substances for compounding that meet official compendia requirements, or of a chemical grade in one of the following categories: chemically pure (CP), analytical reagent (AR), American Chemical Society (ACS), or, if other than this, drug substances that meet the accepted standard of the practice of pharmacy;
(d)   Pharmacists may compound drugs before receiving a valid prescription based on a history of receiving valid prescriptions that have been generated solely within an established pharmacist/patient/practitioner relationship, for all such products compounded at the pharmacy as required by the Board of Pharmacy;
(e)   Pharmacists may not offer compounded medications to other pharmacies for resale; however, practitioners may obtain compounded medications to administer to patients. Compounding pharmacies/pharmacists may advertise or otherwise promote the fact that they provide prescription compounding services, e.g., chemicals, devices, and information, when requested; however, they may not solicit business by promoting to compound specific drug products, e.g., like a manufacturer;
(f)   The compounding of drugs in anticipation of receiving prescriptions without a historical basis or the distribution of compounded products without a patient/practitioner/pharmacist relationship is considered manufacturing;
(3)   Pharmacists engaging in compounding shall maintain proficiency through current awareness and training. Continuing education shall include training in the art and science of compounding and the rules and regulations of compounding.
Pharmacy technicians may assist the pharmacist in compounding. The pharmacist is responsible for training and monitoring the pharmacy technician. The pharmacy technician's duties must be consistent with the training received.
Personnel engaged in the compounding of medications shall wear clean clothing appropriate to the operation being performed. Protective apparel, such as coats, jackets, aprons, gowns, hand or arm coverings, or masks must be worn as necessary to protect personnel from chemical exposure and medication or chemical contamination.
Only personnel authorized by the responsible pharmacist may be in the immediate vicinity of the drug compounding operation. A person shown at any time, either by medical examination or pharmacist determination, to have an apparent illness or open lesions that may adversely affect the safety or quality of a drug product being compounded must be excluded from direct contact with components, medication containers, closures, in-process materials, and medication products until the condition is corrected or determined by competent medical personnel not to jeopardize the safety or quality of the products being compounded. All personnel who assist the pharmacists in compounding procedures must be instructed to report to the pharmacist any health conditions that may have an adverse effect on drug products.
(4)   Pharmacists engaging in compounding shall have a specifically designated and adequate area (space) for the orderly compounding of prescriptions that is maintained in a good state of repair for the placement of material and equipment. Sterile compounding must be performed in a separate area in compliance with Section 40-43-88.
Bulk medications and other chemicals or materials used in the compounding of medication must be stored in adequately labeled containers in a clean, dry, and temperature-controlled area or, if required, under proper refrigeration.
Adequate lighting and ventilation must be provided in all drug compounding areas. Potable water must be supplied under continuous positive pressure in a plumbing system free of defects that could contribute contamination to a compounded drug product. Adequate washing facilities, easily accessible to the compounding areas of the pharmacy, must be provided. These facilities shall include, but are not limited to, hot and cold water, soap or detergent, and air-dryers or single-use towels.
The area used for the compounding of drugs must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. It must be free of infestation by insects, rodents, and other vermin. Trash must be held and disposed of in a timely and sanitary manner. Sewage and other refuse in and from the pharmacy and immediate medication compounding areas must be disposed of in a safe and sanitary manner.
If sterile products are being compounded, the pharmacist shall comply with Section 40-43-88 as applicable to the procedure.
If radiopharmaceuticals are being compounded, the pharmacist shall comply with Section 40-43-87 as applicable to the procedure.
If drug products with special precautions for contamination, such as penicillin, are involved in a compounding procedure, appropriate measures, including either the dedication of equipment or meticulous cleaning of contaminated equipment before its use for the preparation of other drugs, must be utilized in order to prevent cross-contamination.
(5)   Equipment and utensils used for compounding must be of appropriate design and capacity and stored in a manner to protect from contamination. In addition, all equipment and utensils must be cleaned and sanitized before use to prevent contamination that would alter the safety or quality of the drug product beyond that desired. The pharmacist is responsible for determining suitability for use. In the case of sterile compounding, the pharmacist shall comply with Section 40-43-88 as applicable to equipment and utensils.
Automatic, mechanical, electronic, or other equipment used in compounding must be routinely inspected, calibrated, if necessary, or checked to ensure proper performance.
The pharmacist shall ensure that the proper container is selected to dispense the finished compounded prescription, whether sterile or nonsterile.
(6)   The pharmacist shall ensure that there are formulas and logs maintained either electronically or manually. Formulas must be comprehensive and include ingredients, amounts, methodology, and equipment, if needed, and special information regarding sterile compounding.
The pharmacist shall ensure that components used in compounding are accurately weighed, measured, or subdivided as appropriate at each stage of the compounding procedure to conform to the formula being prepared. Any chemical transferred to a container from the original container must be labeled with the same information as on the original container and the date of transfer placed on the label.
The pharmacist shall establish and conduct procedures so as to monitor the output of compounded prescriptions, i.e., capsule weight variation, adequacy of mixing, clarity, pH of solutions, and, where appropriate, procedures to prevent microbial contamination of medications purported to be sterile.
(7)   The pharmacist shall label any excess compounded product so as to reference it to the formula used and the assigned control number and the estimated beyond-use date based on the pharmacist's professional judgment, appropriate testing, or published data. The product must be stored appropriately.
At the completion of compounding the prescription, the pharmacist shall examine the prescription for correct labeling.
(8)   The pharmacist shall keep records of all compounded products for a period of time as other prescriptions as required by the Board of Pharmacy. These records must be readily available for authorized inspection during the retention period at the establishment. These records are subject to duplication by photocopying or other means of reproduction as part of the inspection.
(DD)   Unprofessional conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following acts by a pharmacist, permit holder, pharmacy technician, or the owner of a permitted facility:
(1)   publishing or circulating false, misleading, or otherwise deceptive statements concerning the practice of pharmacy;
(2)   attempting to circumvent the patient counseling requirements, or discouraging the patient from receiving patient counseling concerning their prescription drug orders;
(3)   divulging or revealing to unauthorized persons patient information or the nature of professional pharmacy services rendered without the patient's express consent, or without order or direction of a court. Authorized persons include:
(a)   a patient, or patient's agent, or another pharmacist acting on behalf of a patient;
(b)   the practitioner who issued the prescription drug order;
(c)   certified/licensed health care personnel who are responsible for the care of the patient;
(d)   an inspector, agent, or investigator of the Board of Pharmacy or any federal, state, county, or municipal officer whose duty is to enforce the laws of this State or the United States relating to drugs or devices and who is engaged in a specific investigation involving a designated person or drug;
(e)   an agency of government charged with the responsibility of providing medical care for the patient upon written request by an authorized representative of the agency requesting the information.
(4)   selling, giving away, or otherwise disposing of accessories, chemicals, or drugs or devices found in illegal drug traffic when the pharmacist knows or should have known of their intended use in illegal activities;
(5)   engaging in conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, or demonstrating a wilful or careless disregard for the health, welfare, or safety of a patient, or engaging in conduct which substantially departs from the standards of care ordinarily exercised by a pharmacist;
(6)   selling a drug for which a prescription drug order from a practitioner is required without having received a prescription drug order for the drug;
(7)   willfully and knowingly failing to maintain complete and accurate records of all drugs received, dispensed, or disposed of in compliance with the federal laws and regulations and state laws and regulations;
(8)   obtaining any remuneration by fraud, misrepresentation, or deception;
(9)   using a system providing for the electronic transfer of information that infringes on a patient's freedom of choice as to the provider of pharmacy care.
Section 40-43-87.   (A)   Nuclear/radiologic pharmacy practice refers to a patient-oriented service that embodies the scientific knowledge and professional judgment required to improve and promote health through the assurance of the safe and efficacious use of radiopharmaceuticals and other drugs. Nuclear/radiologic pharmacies also shall adhere to the regulations established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as they pertain to the practice of nuclear pharmacy.
The pharmacist-in-charge of a nuclear pharmacy must be a qualified nuclear pharmacist. All personnel performing tasks in the preparation and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals and ancillary drugs must be under the direct supervision of a qualified nuclear pharmacist.
(B)   Revocation of the radioactive materials license from the Department of Health and Environmental Control voids the pharmacy permit immediately and the permit must be returned to the board within ten days.
(C)   Copies of all regulatory inspection reports must be made available upon request for board inspection.
(D)   The nuclear pharmacist-in-charge shall notify the Board of Pharmacy by letter of the outcome of any hearings that are conducted pursuant to citations for violations of state or federal laws or regulations governing radioactive materials. Notification must be within thirty days of the date of the hearing.
(E)   Space and equipment must be adequate to the scope of services required and provided. All nuclear pharmacy facilities shall have a radiopharmaceutical preparations/dispensing area, a radioactive material shipping/receiving area, and a radioactive waste decay area. Airflow hoods must be certified annually for operational efficiency in accordance with federal standards by a qualified technician and must be recertified each time the hood is moved. Certification must be attached to the front of the hood and shall state the date certification was granted. Prefilters must be changed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. Changes must be documented by date and initials. Documentation must be retained for two years.
(F)   For purposes of this section, 'qualified nuclear pharmacist' means a pharmacist who holds a current license issued by the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy, and who is either certified as a nuclear pharmacist by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties, or meets minimal standards of training for status as an authorized user of radioactive material, as specified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Section 40-43-88.   (A)   The purpose of this section is to provide standards for the preparation, labeling, and distribution of sterile products by pharmacies, pursuant to or in anticipation of a prescription drug order for a patient in home health care.
(B)   The pharmacy shall have a separate area designated for placement of the Class 100 laminar airflow hood, which must:
(1)   be constructed so as to allow visual observation;
(2)   not be a thruway for traffic;
(3)   have walls, floor, ceiling, and work surfaces constructed of materials that are nonporous and do not produce particulate matter;
(4)   be ventilated in a manner that will not interfere with the outward flow of air from the hood;
(5)   not be used for unpacking bulk supplies;
(6)   not be used for storage of bulk supplies and materials; and
(7)   have an eye wash station and sink readily accessible to the area.
(C)(1)   All sterile pharmaceuticals must be prepared within the airflow hood work surface.
(2) Work surfaces of the airflow hood must be cleaned with seventy percent isopropyl alcohol or an equivalent disinfectant every eight-hour work shift and as needed for microbial, drug, and particulate matter removal. This cleaning must be documented by date, time and initials. Documentation must be retained for two years.
(3)   The airflow hood must be certified by a qualified technician every twelve months and must be recertified each time the hood is moved for operational efficiency in accordance with federal standards. The certification must be attached to the front of the hood and shall state the date the certification was performed. Certification documents must be retained for two years.
(4)   The sterile product preparation area must be cleaned and disinfected weekly with appropriate agents according to written policy and procedures. This must be documented by date and initials and retained for two years.
(5)   Prefilters must be changed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. Changes must be documented by date and initials and documentation must be retained for two years.
(6)   Work surfaces inside the airflow hood must be clear of drugs, records, labels, and equipment unrelated to work in process.
(7)   All solutions, additive and nonadditive, must be checked by a pharmacist before dispensing. The checking pharmacist's initials must appear on either the prescription or medical order, the patient's profile, a compounding record, or label. Only one system must be used. Initials may be computer produced or stamped for solutions containing noncontrolled additives.
(8)   Sterile pharmaceuticals returned by an outpatient or the outpatient's agent must be destroyed. Supplies and equipment designed by the manufacturer for one time use may not be reused. Returned sterile pharmaceuticals containing controlled substances must be destroyed in accordance with federal and state requirements.
(9)   A sink with hot and cold running water readily accessible to the sterile products preparation area with immediate availability of germicidal skin cleanser and either a warm air blower or nonshedding single-use towels for hand drying must be available to all personnel preparing sterile pharmaceuticals.
(10)   Adverse drug reactions sustained by patients must be documented in the patient's profile. Significant untoward reactions must be reported to the Food and Drug Administration and the manufacturer.
(D)(1) Compounding shall involve aseptic manipulations that are properly and promptly executed.
(2)   Closed system transfers must be used in compounding sterile pharmaceuticals, except for initial withdrawals from ampules.
(a)   All container closures shall remain intact throughout the aseptic process, except for the penetration of sterile, pyrogen-free, and particulate matter-free needles or cannulas through the designated stopper or port.
(b)   Ancillary devices used to facilitate the transfer, withdrawal, or delivery of sterile solutions must be sterile, free of pyrogen and particulate matter, and used in accordance with the manufacturer's labeled instructions.
(3)   Compounded sterile pharmaceuticals must be stored immediately according to published and professional guidelines.
(4)   Administration must be initiated in accordance with stability standards.
(5)   If products are prepared from nonsterile ingredients, these products must be appropriately sterilized before dispensing.
(E)   In addition to reference books currently required in a pharmacy, at least one current reference on compatibility and stability of sterile pharmaceuticals must be available.
(F)   All sterile pharmaceuticals prepared for dispensing shall have an adhesive label affixed which shall contain the following:
(1)   name, address, and telephone number of pharmacy for outpatients and name of facility for inpatients;
(2)   if additive, the date solution was prepared. Non-additive solutions must be dated if the manufacturer's protective cover is removed before dispensing;
(3)   name of physician;
(4)   name of patient;
(5)   room number and bed of patient, if applicable;
(6)   serial number of prescription or other identifying number;
(7)   if additive solution, the name and amount of additive. If additives are identified by their generic name the manufacturer must be identified on either the prescription, the patient's profile, or compounding record;
(8)   name of basic solution;
(9)   name or initials of individual preparing sterile pharmaceutical on either the prescription or medical order, the patient's profile, compounding record, or label. For solutions containing non-controlled additives, the initials may be imprinted;
(10)   expiration date and, if applicable, the expiration time of the solution in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications or research-supported standard of practice;
(11)   frequency and rate of administration;
(12)   precautionary statements, auxiliary labels, or warning labels in keeping with current standards or practice;
(13)   special handling or storage requirements, or both;
(G)   There must be a system for a pharmacist to be available twenty-four hours a day for a patient, nursing agency, or physician to which the pharmacy is providing services.
(H)   A profile or medical record must be maintained for each patient. This profile must be maintained for two years after the last dispensing activity. It shall contain at a minimum:
(1)   patient's name, address, telephone number and, if applicable, the patient's bed or room number;
(2)   age or date of birth, weight, height, and sex of patient;
(3)   identity of the health care agency, if applicable;
(4)   itemization of sterile pharmaceuticals dispensed with prescription number or other identifying number, including date dispensed and the name and amount of additives;
(5)   drug and food allergies;
(6)   primary diagnosis;
(7)   prescription and nonprescription drugs and home remedies the patient is receiving; and
(8)   documentation by a pharmacist of the resolution of other potential drug related problems.
(I)   (1)   All cytotoxic solutions must be compounded in a Class II, biological safety cabinet. No other products may be compounded in this cabinet.
(2)   Protective apparel must be worn by personnel compounding cytotoxic agents including gloves, closed front gowns with tight cuffs, and masks. Written procedures for handling spills of cytotoxic agents must be developed.
(3)   There must be immediate access to emergency spill supplies wherever cytotoxic drugs are prepared.
(4)   Prepared solutions must be identified with warning labels in accordance with state and federal requirements.
(5)   Prepared solutions must be packaged for handling and delivery in a manner that minimizes the risk of rupture of the primary container and insures the stability and potency of the solution.
(6)   Documentation that personnel have been trained in the compounding, handling, and destruction of cytotoxic agents must be available. This documentation must be obtained annually.
(7)   Documentation that personnel have been informed of the carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic nature of the cytotoxic agents handled must be available. This documentation must be updated annually by all personnel.
(8)   Class II safety cabinets must be certified by a qualified technician every twelve months and must be recertified each time the hood is moved for operational efficiency. Earlier recertification may be required if dictated by federal or state requirements or manufacturer's specifications due to workload.
(J)   All waste materials must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
(K)   A policy and procedure manual must be available in the pharmacy. The manual shall include policies and procedures as applicable for the following:
(1)   quality control;
(2)   sterile technique;
(3)   destruction of returned solutions;
(4)   labeling of injectable solutions;
(5)   drug recall procedures;
(6)   investigational drugs;
(7)   handling and disposal of hazardous waste;
(8)   cytotoxic agents;
(9)   maintenance of patient profiles; and
(10)   material safety data sheets.
(L)   When sterile pharmaceuticals are provided to home care patients, the dispensing pharmacy may supply a nurse with emergency drugs if a physician has authorized the use of these drugs by a protocol or prescription drug order for use in an emergency situation, e.g., anaphylactic shock.
(M)   A licensed health care professional may possess noncontrolled prescribed legend drugs or devices such as water for injection, normal saline for IV, and heparin flush used in the administration of sterile pharmaceuticals.
(N)   If appropriate, the pharmacist shall demonstrate or document the patient's training and competency in managing therapy provided by the pharmacist to the patient in the home environment. A pharmacist must be involved in the patient training process in any area that relates to drug compounding, labeling, administration, storage, stability, compatibility, or disposal. The pharmacist is responsible for seeing that the patient's competency in the above areas is reassessed on an ongoing basis.
(O)   There must be a documented, ongoing, quality assurance control program that monitors patient care and pharmacy care outcomes, including but not limited to:
(1)   routine performance of prospective drug use review and patient monitoring functions by a pharmacist;
(2)   patient-monitoring plans that include written outcome measures and systems for routine patient assessment including, but not limited to, infection rates, rehospitalization rates, and the incidence of adverse drug reactions;
(3)   documentation of patient training as specified in subsection (N);
(4)   appropriate collaboration with other health care professionals.
Section 40-43-89.   (A)(1)   The following information must be provided to the board with an application for a wholesale distributor permit, and for any subsequent permit renewals:
(a)   name, full business address, and telephone number of the applicant;
(b)   all trade or business names used by the applicant;
(c)   addresses, telephone numbers, and the names of contact persons for the facility used by the applicant for storage, handling, and distribution of drugs;
(d)   the type of ownership or operation, i.e., partnership, corporation, or sole proprietorship; and
(e)   name of the owner and/or operator of the applicant, including:
(i)   if a person, the name, address, and social security number or date of birth, or both, of the person;
(ii)   if a partnership, the name, address, and social security number or date of birth, or both, of each partner, and the name of the partnership;
(iii)   if a corporation, the name, address, social security number or date of birth, or both, and title of each corporate officer and director, the corporate names, the name of the state of incorporation, and the name of the parent company, if any; the name, address, and social security number of each shareholder owning ten percent or more of the voting stock of the corporation, including over-the-counter stock, unless the stock is traded on a major stock exchange and not over-the-counter;
(iv)   if a sole proprietorship, the full name, address, and social security number or date of birth, or both, of the sole proprietor and the name of the business entity.
(2)   Changes in any information in this subsection must be submitted to the Board of Pharmacy within thirty days of the change.
(3)   Pursuant to Section 40-43-83(e) and Section 40-43-90, the information required for initial permitting or renewal of a permit of a wholesale distributor must be submitted on forms prepared by the Board of Pharmacy or by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy which shall act as a clearinghouse of applications for the board and must be submitted to the Board or NABP accompanied by the applicable fee.
(4)   The board may suspend, revoke, deny, or refuse to renew the permit of wholesale drug distributors other than pharmacies dispensing or distributing drugs or devices directly to patients.
(B)   The licensed wholesale distributor shall employ adequate personnel with the education and experience necessary to safely and lawfully engage in the wholesale distribution of drugs.
(C)   All facilities where drugs are stored, warehoused, handled, held, offered, marketed, or displayed shall:
(1)   be of suitable size and construction to facilitate cleaning, maintenance, and proper operations;
(2)   have storage areas big enough to provide adequate lighting, ventilation, temperature, sanitation, humidity, space, equipment, and security conditions;
(3)   have a quarantine area for storage of drugs that are outdated, damaged, deteriorated, misbranded, or adulterated, or that are in immediate or sealed secondary containers that have been opened;
(4)   be maintained in a clean and orderly condition; and
(5)   be free from infestation by insects, rodents, birds, or vermin of any kind.
(D)(1)   All facilities used for wholesale drug distribution must be secure from unauthorized entry, access from outside the premises must be kept to a minimum and well-controlled, the outside perimeter of the premises must be well-lighted, and entry into areas where prescription drugs are held must be limited to authorized personnel.
(2)   All facilities must be equipped with an alarm system to detect entry after hours.
(3)   All facilities must be equipped with a security system that provides suitable protection against theft and diversion. When appropriate, the security system shall provide protection against theft or diversion that is facilitated or hidden by tampering with computers or electronic records.
(E)   All drugs must be stored at appropriate temperatures and under appropriate conditions in accordance with requirements, if any, in the labeling of such drugs, or with requirements in the current edition of an official compendium.
If no storage requirements are established for a drug, the drug may be held at 'controlled' room temperature, as defined in an official compendium, to help ensure that its identity, strength, quality, and purity are not adversely affected.
Temperature and humidity must be automatically documented by electronic recording devices.
The recordkeeping requirements in subsection (I) must be followed for all stored drugs.
(F)   Upon receipt, each outside shipping container must be visually examined for identity and to prevent the acceptance of contaminated drugs or drugs that are otherwise unfit for distribution. This examination must be adequate to reveal container damage that would suggest possible contamination or other damage to the contents.
Each outgoing shipment must be carefully inspected for identity of the drug products and to ensure that there is no delivery of drugs that has been damaged in storage or held under improper conditions.
The recordkeeping requirements in subsection (I) must be complied with for all incoming and outgoing drugs.
(G)(1)   Drugs that are outdated, damaged, deteriorated, misbranded, or adulterated must be quarantined and physically separated from other drugs until they are destroyed or returned to their supplier.
(2)   A drug whose immediate or sealed outer or sealed secondary containers have been opened or used must be identified as such, and must be quarantined and physically separated from other drugs until they are either destroyed or returned to the supplier.
(3)   If the conditions under which a drug has been returned cast doubt on the drug's safety, identity, strength, quality, or purity, the drug must be destroyed or returned to the supplier unless examination, testing, or other investigation proves that the drug meets appropriate standards of safety, identity, strength, quality, and purity. In determining whether the conditions under which a drug has been returned cast doubt on the drug's safety, identity, strength, quality, or purity, the wholesale drug distributor shall consider, among other things, the conditions under which the drug has been held, stored, or shipped before or during its return and the condition of the drug and its container, carton, or labeling, as a result of storage or shipping.
(4)   The recordkeeping requirements in subsection (I) must be complied with for all outdated, damaged, deteriorated, misbranded, or adulterated drugs.
(H)   (1)   Wholesale drug distributors shall establish and maintain inventories and records of all transactions regarding the receipt and distribution or other disposition of drugs. These records shall include:
(a)   the source of the drugs, including the name and principal address of the seller or transferor, and the address of the location from which the drugs were shipped;
(b)   the identity and quantity of the drugs received and distributed or disposed of; and
(c)   the dates of receipt and distribution or other disposition of the drugs.
(2)   Inventories and records must be made available for inspection and photocopying by any authorized official of any governmental agency charged with enforcement of this chapter for a period of two years following disposition of the drugs.
(3)   Records described in this subsection that are kept at the inspection site or that can be immediately retrieved by computer or other electronic means must be readily available for authorized inspection during the retention period. Records kept at a central location apart from the inspection site and not electronically retrievable must be available for inspection within two working days of a request by an authorized official of any governmental agency charged with enforcement of this chapter.
(I)   Wholesale drug distributors shall establish, maintain, and adhere to written policies and procedures which shall be followed for the receipt, security, storage, inventory, and distribution of drugs, including policies and procedures for identifying, recording, and reporting losses or thefts, and for correcting all errors and inaccuracies in inventories. Wholesale drug distributors shall include in their written policies and procedures:
(1)   a procedure whereby the oldest approved stock of a drug product is distributed first. The procedure may permit deviation from this requirement if such deviation is temporary and appropriate;
(2)   a procedure to be followed for handling recalls and withdrawals of drugs. The procedure must be adequate to deal with recalls and withdrawals due to:
(a)   any action initiated at the request of the Food and Drug Administration or other federal, state, or local law enforcement or other government agency, including the Board of Pharmacy;
(b)   any voluntary action by the manufacturer to remove defective or potentially defective drugs from the market; or
(c)   any action undertaken to promote public health and safety by the replacing of existing merchandise with an improved product or new package design;
(3)   a procedure to ensure that wholesale drug distributors prepare for, protect against, and handle any crisis that affects security or operation of any facility in the event of a strike, fire, flood, or other natural disaster, or other situations of local, state, or national emergency;
(4)   a procedure to ensure that outdated drugs are segregated from other drugs and either returned to the manufacturer or destroyed. This procedure shall provide for written documentation of the disposition of outdated drugs which must be maintained for two years after disposition of the outdated drugs.
(J)   Wholesale distributors shall establish and maintain a current list of officers, directors, managers, and other individuals in charge of wholesale drug distribution, storage, and handling, including a description of their duties and a summary of their qualifications.
(K)   Wholesale distributors shall permit the Board of Pharmacy and authorized federal, state, and local law enforcement officials to enter and inspect their premises and delivery vehicles, and to audit their records and written operating procedures, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, to the extent authorized by law.
Wholesale distributors that deal in controlled substances shall register with the appropriate state-controlled substance authority and with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and shall comply with all applicable state, local, and DEA requirements.
(L)   Wholesale distributors are subject to the provisions of any applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations that relate to drug product salvaging or reprocessing.
(M)   This chapter may not be construed to prevent licensed pharmacists from filling, as otherwise provided by law, prescriptions originating outside the boundaries of this State and official United States government prescriptions issued by authorized governmental officials.
(N)   (1)   A facility located outside this State, whose primary business is mail order prescription service, shall have a permit issued by the board to ship, mail, or deliver a controlled substance or dangerous drug or device into this State pursuant to a prescription of a licensed practitioner. The facility shall report to the board:
(a)   information on the location, names, and titles of all principal corporate officers and pharmacists who are dispensing controlled substances or dangerous drugs or devices to residents of this State. The report must be updated annually and within thirty days of a change of permit holder or pharmacist-in-charge;
(b)   that it complies with the applicable laws for operation in the state in which it is located and with the provisions of this section. The facility shall have a valid unexpired license, permit, or registration in compliance with the laws of the state in which it is located and must be constantly under the personal and immediate supervision of a licensed pharmacist. The facility shall submit to the board with its initial application and with each renewal application a copy of its most recent inspection report resulting from an inspection conducted by the regulatory or licensing agency of the state in which it is located. These inspections are deemed to meet all inspection requirements contained in this chapter;
(c)   that it maintains its records of controlled substances or dangerous drugs or devices dispensed to patients in this State so that the records are readily retrievable.
(2)   Nothing in this chapter requires that pharmacists employed by facilities located in other states and who are not engaged in the practice of pharmacy in this State be licensed in this State.
(3)   If the state in which the facility is located does not establish, by statute or regulation, a ratio describing the number of auxiliary personnel that a pharmacist may supervise, or otherwise define the role of the pharmacist in the compounding and dispensing of prescription drugs, then that facility may not allow a pharmacist to supervise more than two pharmacy technicians at any time in the compounding and dispensing of prescription drugs.
(4)   A pharmacy, as described in this section, during its regular hours of operation but not less than six days or forty hours a week, shall provide a toll-free telephone service to facilitate communication between patients in this State and a pharmacist at the pharmacy who has access to their records. This telephone number must be printed on a label affixed to the container for the substance, drug, or device.
(5)   An application for a pharmacy permit under the provisions of this section must be made on a form furnished by the board, signed by a responsible person who has been designated as the permit holder, and accompanied by the required fee. The board may require information from the facility reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. Each facility shall apply individually and obtain a separate permit for each location. The permit is not transferable and expires annually. A renewal application must be mailed to the board postmarked no later than June second or the existing permit lapses on the date of its expiration, and no renewal permit may be granted except:
(a)   upon evidence satisfactory to the board of good and sufficient grounds for the failure to file the application within the prescribed period;
(b)   upon payment of the renewal fee and a penalty of fifty dollars.
(6)   The board may deny, revoke, suspend, or otherwise take action against a facility permit issued under the provisions of this section for:
(a)   failure to comply with the requirements of:
(i)   this section;
(ii)   subsection (C), dealing with prescription drug orders, drug product selection, labeling, patient records, drug review, drug dispensing, patient counseling, emergency refills, and advertisements;
(iii)   subchapter 1, Chapter 13, Title 21 of the 1976 Code (Federal Controlled Substance Act);
(iv)   Chapter 2, Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Federal Controlled Substance Regulation);
(b)   conduct which causes serious bodily or serious psychological injury to a resident of this State if the board has referred the matter to the regulatory or licensing agency under which the pharmacy operates in the state in which it is located and that agency fails to initiate an investigation within forty-five days of the referral. The board shall maintain a record of referrals pursuant to this item and action taken on them.
(7)   A facility required to obtain a permit pursuant to this subsection but which has not been issued a permit, may not advertise its services in this State, nor may a resident of this State advertise the services for the facility.
(8)   A permit issued pursuant to this section is not evidence that the pharmacy is doing business within this State.
Section 40-43-90.   (A)   To obtain a permit, an applicant shall:
(1)   submit a written application in the form prescribed by the Board of Pharmacy at least forty-five days before the opening date of the facility;
(2)   pass an inspection conducted by inspectors of the Board of Pharmacy; and
(3)   pay all appropriate fees.
(B)   Applicants for permits to distribute, manufacture, sell, purchase, or produce drugs or devices within this State shall file with the Board of Pharmacy a verified application containing such information as the board requires of the applicant relative to the qualifications for a permit holder.
(C)   Permits issued by the board pursuant to this chapter are not transferable or assignable.
Section 40-43-91.   (A)   All permit holders shall report to the Board of Pharmacy within three working days of the discovery of the occurrence of:
(1)   theft or loss of drugs or devices;
(2)   conviction of any employee of any state or federal drug laws.
(B)   All permit holders shall report to the Board of Pharmacy within ten working days of the discovery of the occurrence of any of the following:
(1)   permanent closing;
(2)   change of ownership, management, location, consultant pharmacists, or pharmacist-in-charge of a pharmacy;
(3)   change in employment of pharmacists or pharmacy technicians within a pharmacy permitted by the board;
(4)   disasters, accidents, destruction, or loss of records required to be maintained by state or federal law.
(C)   Upon permanent closing a permittee shall return the permit to the board within thirty days.
(D)   The board may assess a civil penalty of not more than one hundred dollars upon any individual who fails to comply with the rules as provided in this section.
(E)   Any currently licensed pharmacist or pharmacy technician who changes his mailing address must notify the board in writing within ten days listing his name, license or registration number, and new mailing address.
(F)   When a licensed pharmacist in the employ of or in charge of the pharmacy duties of a permitted facility within this State leaves the employ of or ceases to have charge of the pharmacy duties of the permitted facility, he shall notify the board in writing within ten days of the change, giving the name and address of the permitted facility at which he was last employed. When a licensed pharmacist or registered pharmacy technician within this State makes any change in employment from one permitted facility to another, he shall notify the board of the change within ten days, listing the name and address of the permitted facility at which he was last employed and of the facility to which he expects to move.
Section 40-43-100.   The examination for licensure required under Section 40-43-80 must be given by the board at least two times during each year. The examination must be prepared to measure the competency of an applicant to engage in the practice of pharmacy.
Section. 40-43-110.   (A)   For permits not renewed by the expiration date specified on the permit, the board may charge late penalties as follows:
(1)   ten dollars a day if renewed during the first thirty days following expiration;
(2)   failure to renew by the end of thirty days following expiration shall result in automatic cancellation of the permit and application for a new permit is required.
(B)   Upon the occurrence of any of the following, an existing permit is void and a new permit must be applied for:
(1)   change of ownership:
(a)   any change of ownership in the case of a sole proprietorship;
(b)   a gain or loss of a partner in the case of a partnership;
(c)   a change of ownership of fifty percent or more of stock in the case of a corporation.
(2)   change of name; or
(3)   change of location.
A change in location of a permit within the same city requires an inspection and the payment of a relocation fee.
(C)   The board may, upon application and payment of the applicable renewal fee, issue an inactive status license to a licensed pharmacist who is not actively engaged in the practice of pharmacy in this State, pursuant to this chapter. The pharmacist's license renewal certificate must be prominently marked as an inactive license, and the holder may not practice pharmacy under any conditions in this State. If the pharmacist wishes to reactivate the license, he shall complete the required continuing education for license renewal, plus an additional fifteen hours which must have been obtained during the calendar year immediately preceding the reactivation.
(D)   (1)   After May first, a license which has not been renewed is considered a lapsed license. A person who practices pharmacy with a license that has lapsed is considered practicing without a license. Reinstatement of a lapsed license may be granted upon evidence satisfactory to the board of good and sufficient grounds for the failure to renew the license within the prescribed period and payment of the renewal fee and a penalty of fifty dollars.
(2)   A pharmacist whose license has lapsed for less than three years may reactivate his license by applying to the board, submitting proof of completion of 1.5 CEU's for each year the license has lapsed, and paying the reactivation fee.
(3)   A pharmacist whose license has lapsed for three years but less than five years may reactivate his license by applying to the board, demonstrating to the board evidence of no less than one thousand hours of practice under the on-site supervision of a pharmacist licensed in this State and paying the reactivation fee.
(4)   A pharmacist whose license has lapsed for ten years or more may reactivate his license by applying to the board, demonstrating to the board evidence of no less than one thousand hours of practice under the on-site supervision of a pharmacist licensed in this State, successfully passing an examination administered or approved by the board, and paying the reactivation fee.
(5)   (a)   A pharmacist whose license has lapsed for less than three years and who has active status outside of South Carolina may reinstate his license by submitting proof of completion of 1.5 CEU's for each year the license has lapsed, official verification of a current license, and paying the reactivation fee.
(b)   A pharmacist whose license has lapsed for three years or more and who has active status outside of South Carolina may reinstate his license by submitting evidence of no less than one thousand hours of out-of-state employment within the last five years, official verification of a current license, and paying the reactivation fee.
(E)   (1)   Each licensed pharmacist shall apply for renewal of his license annually no later than April first. A licensed pharmacist who desires to continue in the practice of pharmacy in this State shall file with the board an application in such form and containing data as the board requires for renewal of the license. If the board finds that the applicant has been licensed, and that the license has not been revoked or suspended or otherwise disciplined, that the applicant has paid the renewal fee and has completed all pharmacy education requirements for continuing education in accordance with this chapter, the board shall issue a license to the applicant.
(2)   If a pharmacist fails to make application to the Board of Pharmacy for renewal of his license within a period of three years from the expiration of his license, he must pass the Pharmacy Law Examination for license renewal; except that a person who has been licensed under the laws of this State and after the expiration of his license has continually practiced pharmacy in another state under a license issued by the authority of such state, may renew his license upon payment of the designated fee and proof of completion of thirty hours of continuing education on a form approved by the board.
(3)   Those assistant pharmacists currently licensed have all the rights and privileges of a licensed pharmacist.
(F)   No temporary license may be issued.
Section 40-43-130.   (A)   Topics and formats of study for continuing education shall include subject matter designed to maintain the professional competence of pharmacists licensed to practice and to improve their professional skills in order to protect the public health and safety.
(B)   Each licensed pharmacist, as a condition of an active status license renewal, shall complete fifteen hours (1.5 CEU's) of American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) accredited continuing pharmacy education or continuing medical education (CME), Category I, or both, each license year. Of the fifteen hours, a minimum of six hours must be obtained through attendance at lectures, seminars, or workshops. At least fifty percent of the total number of hours required must be in drug therapy or patient management.
(C)   All hours completed in any license year in excess of the requirement may be carried forward for credit in the next license year, but may not be carried forward for more than one license year.
(D)   Upon licensure in this State by examination or by license transfer, pharmacists are exempt from continuing education requirements for the first renewal period.
(E)   A copy of the original certificates of completion of the required continuing education shall be submitted to the board upon completion.
(F)   An exemption may be granted by the board for pharmacists enrolled in an approved pharmacy postgraduate degree program. Application must be made to the board and grade reports must be submitted to the board.
Section 40-43-140.   (A)(1)   The board may suspend, revoke, deny, or refuse to renew the permit of a permittee or impose disciplinary action authorized by this chapter for:
(a)   violations of any of the provisions of this chapter or any regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter;
(b)   retaining as an employee a person who willfully or habitually violates any of the state or federal laws applicable to a permitted facility or its operation.
(2)   A person who distributes or delivers drugs or devices to a person not permitted in accordance with this chapter is subject to a fine to be imposed by the board not to exceed one thousand dollars for each offense in addition to such other disciplinary action the board may take under this chapter. Each violation constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars or imprisonment not to exceed one year, or both.
(3)   Facilities requiring permits may not operate unless a permit has been issued by the board.
(4)   Except where otherwise allowed by law, it is unlawful for a manufacturer or a wholesale distributor to distribute or deliver drugs or devices to any person in this State not permitted under this chapter.
(a)   conviction for a violation of any federal, state, or local law relating to the practice of pharmacy, drug samples, wholesale or retail drug or device distribution, or illegal use of or distribution of controlled substances;
(b)   the furnishing of false or fraudulent material in any application made in connection with drug or device manufacturing or distribution;
(c)   suspension or revocation by federal, state, or local government of any permit or license currently or previously held by the applicant for the manufacture or distribution of any drugs or devices, including controlled substances;
(d)   obtaining remuneration by fraud, misrepresentation, or deception;
(e)   dealing with drugs or devices that they know or should have known are stolen drugs or devices;
Section 40-43-150.   (A)   Investigations and hearings must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 40-1-80.
(B)   Restraining orders and cease and desist orders shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of Section 40-1-100.
(C)   Upon determination by the board that one or more of the grounds for disciplining a licensee or permittee exists, as provided for in Section 40-1-110, the board may in addition to the actions provided for in Section 40-1-120 impose a fine not to exceed an amount set by the board in regulation.
(D)   A licensee or permittee who is under investigation for any of the grounds provided for in Section 40-36-110 for which the board may take disciplinary action must voluntarily surrender his license or permit to the board in accordance with Section 40-1-150.
(E)   A person aggrieved by an action of the board may seek review of the decision in accordance with Section 40-1-160.
Section 40-43-160.   (A)   An individual who, after a hearing, shall be found by the board to have unlawfully engaged in the practice of pharmacy is subject to a fine to be imposed by the board not to exceed an amount set by the board in regulation for each offense.
(B)   Each violation of this chapter or the regulations promulgated under this chapter pertaining to unlawfully engaging in the practice of pharmacy shall also constitute a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is punishable as provided in Section 40-1-210.
Section 40-43-170.   (A)   When the Governor issues a 'State of Emergency':
(1) A pharmacist in the affected county may dispense a one-time emergency refill of up to a fifteen-day supply of a prescribed medication if:
(a)   the pharmacist has all prescription information necessary in order to accurately refill the prescription and;
(b)   in the pharmacist's professional opinion the medication is essential to the maintenance of life or to the continuation of therapy and;
(c)   the pharmacist reduces the information to a written prescription marked 'Emergency Refill', files the prescription as required by law and notifies the prescribing physician within fifteen days of the emergency refill and;
(d)   the prescription is not for a controlled substance.
(2)   A pharmacist not licensed in South Carolina but currently licensed in another state, may in a 'State of Emergency' dispense prescription medications in those affected counties without being licensed in South Carolina during the time that a 'State of Emergency' exists if;
(a)   the pharmacist has some type of identification to verify current licensure in another state and;
(b)   the pharmacist is engaged in a legitimate relief effort during an emergency situation.
(B)   This disaster preparedness ends with the 'State of Emergency'.
Section 40-43-180.   Nothing in this chapter may be construed to require a health maintenance organization, a self-funded plan, an accident and health insurer, or any other third party payor to provide services or to pay for services provided for in this chapter."/
Amend title to conform.
Renumber sections to conform.

Senator GIESE explained the committee amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time and ordered placed on the third reading Calendar with notice of general amendments.

SECOND READING BILLS

The following Bills, having been read the second time, were ordered placed on the third reading Calendar:

S. 963 (Word version) -- Senators J. Verne Smith, Alexander, Branton, Courson, Elliott, Fair, Giese, Glover, Hayes, Holland, Hutto, Jackson, Land, Lander, Matthews, Mescher, Moore, O'Dell, Passailaigue, Patterson, Ravenel, Reese, Short and Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-130, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE STATE CERTIFICATION OF NEED AND HEALTH FACILITY LICENSURE ACT, SO AS TO DELETE KIDNEY DISEASE TREATMENT CENTERS AND HEMODIALYSIS CENTERS FROM THE DEFINITION OF "HEALTH CARE FACILITY"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-170, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROCESS, SO AS TO EXEMPT KIDNEY DISEASE TREATMENT CENTERS.

S. 1031 (Word version) -- Senators Martin, Alexander, Bryan and Waldrep: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 59-39-105 OF THE 1976 CODE RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A STAR DIPLOMA, FOR THE 1997-98 AND 1998-99 SCHOOL YEARS ONLY, GRADUATING SENIORS FROM HIGH SCHOOL WHO HAVE COMPLETED TWENTY-FOUR UNITS OF CREDIT WITH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIRED UNITS IN ANY COURSE SHALL MEET THE COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STAR DIPLOMA AND SCHOLARSHIP; AND TO AMEND SECTION 59-39-105, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO STAR DIPLOMAS AND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A STAR DIPLOMA, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT HONORS COURSES SHALL BE INCLUDED, ALONG WITH ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE COURSES, IN THOSE COURSES WHERE GRADE POINT AVERAGES ARE ADJUSTED TO REFLECT GREATER DIFFICULTY.

H. 4358 (Word version) -- Reps. Loftis, J. Brown, Leach, Robinson, Stille, Vaughn and Cato: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-33-770 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES TO PROVIDE CERTAIN SERVICES IN RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITHOUT THE ON-SITE SUPERVISION OF A NURSE, DOCTOR, OR DENTIST IF CERTAIN PROCEDURES ARE FOLLOWED.

Senator PEELER asked unanimous consent to take the Bill up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.

H. 4358--Ordered to a Third Reading

On motion of Senator PEELER, with unanimous consent, H. 4358 was ordered to receive a third reading on Wednesday, February 18, 1998.

AMENDED, READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 881 (Word version) -- Senator Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 588 OF 1994, RELATING TO THE ONE CENT SALES AND USE TAX IMPOSED FOLLOWING REFERENDUM APPROVAL IN CHEROKEE COUNTY FOR DEBT SERVICE ON BONDED INDEBTEDNESS OF CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 AND THE PER PUPIL ALLOCATION FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS TO ANY OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICT IN CHEROKEE COUNTY, SO AS TO REQUIRE A PRO RATA REFUND OF PROPERTY TAXES FOR BONDED INDEBTEDNESS FOR SCHOOLS FROM EXCESS SALES AND USE TAX COLLECTED FOR THIS PURPOSE IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR IN THE MANNER THAT THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COUNTY AUDITOR AND TREASURER, SHALL DETERMINE.

Senator PEELER asked unanimous consent to take the Bill up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the second reading of the Bill.

Senator PEELER proposed the following amendment (JIC\5251HTC.98), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in SECTION 1, page 2, by striking lines 2 through 9 and inserting:
/District 1. If the amounts certified collected as of June thirtieth exceed the amount required for debt service following a year in which the amount certified as collected was insufficient to eliminate the levy, then the excess in the current year must be rebated pro rata to property taxpayers who paid the levy in the prior year in the form of a credit against the taxpayer's current property taxes as they become due and payable. When such a credit cannot be applied, and upon application of the taxpayer, the rebate must be refunded directly to the taxpayer. The pro rata rebate percentage must be determined by dividing the excess amount by the total assessed value of the property taxed. The credit is then determined by multiplying the property owner's assessed value by the pro rata rebate percentage. No credit or refund is allowed for amounts less than ten dollars."/
Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time and ordered placed on the third reading Calendar.

S. 881--Ordered to a Third Reading

On motion of Senator PEELER, S. 881 was ordered to receive a third reading on Wednesday, February 18, 1998.

AMENDED, READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 534 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 41-13-25, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS SO AS TO PROVIDE AN OPTIONAL FINE FOR A FIRST OFFENSE, TO INCREASE THE FINES FOR A SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE, AND MAKE THE FINES OPTIONAL RATHER THAN MANDATORY AND TO PROVIDE CRITERIA UPON WHICH THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION SHALL DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF THE FINE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 41-13-40 RELATING TO LIABILITY OF EMPLOYERS OF MINORS TO PARENTS OR GUARDIANS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

The Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry proposed the following amendment (KGH\15413AC.98), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 41-13-25(A), Page 1, by deleting lines 38-42 and Page 2, by deleting lines 1-2 and inserting /may be fined not more than one thousand dollars. For second or subsequent offenses, an employer may be fined not more than five thousand dollars for each offense. The director shall determine the amount of the penalty pursuant to procedures promulgated by the department in regulation for assessing penalties under this chapter. These regulations shall include the method for determining penalties based on the size of the business of the employer being charged, the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the employer, and the history of previous violations of the employer./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Senator HAYES explained the committee amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time and ordered placed on the third reading Calendar.

ADOPTED

S. 897 (Word version) -- Senator Passailaigue: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE CONGRESS TO EXERCISE CONGRESSIONAL JURISDICTION OVER COMMERCE OVER THE INTERNET BY ESTABLISHING A MORATORIUM ON THE IMPOSITION OF EXACTIONS THAT WOULD INTERFERE WITH THE FLOW OF COMMERCE VIA THE INTERNET.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

ADOPTED

H. 4295 (Word version) -- Reps. Neilson, Stuart and Rhoad: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE SOUTH CAROLINA AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CONSORTIUM IN CONDUCTING ITS STATEWIDE NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF ALL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TO EXAMINE THE PROBLEMS OF THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF NURSES AIDES IN SOUTH CAROLINA NURSING HOMES AND TO REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1998.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

COMMITTED

S. 1012 (Word version) -- Senators Elliott, Holland and Mescher: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CREATE A SPECIAL COMMITTEE TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, TO PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE STUDY AND REPORT TO THE SENATE THE REASONS FOR THE LONG LINES AND SERVICE DELAYS AT THE MOTOR VEHICLE OFFICES ACROSS THE STATE AND TO REVIEW, AMONG OTHER ISSUES, EMPLOYEE WORK LOADS AND STAFFING LEVELS AND PROVISION OF NECESSARY EQUIPMENT AND LATEST AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY NEEDS.

Senator DRUMMOND asked unanimous consent to commit the Senate Resolution to the Committee on Finance.
There was no objection.

RECOMMITTED

S. 618 (Word version) -- Senator Courtney: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-580, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CLERK AND OTHER STAFF OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EACH ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE MAY APPOINT, HIRE, CONTRACT, AND SUPERVISE THE SUPPORT STAFF THE JUDGE IS INDIVIDUALLY ALLOTTED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-650, RELATING TO PROMULGATION OF RULES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PROMULGATION OF RULES GOVERNING PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE BEFORE THE DIVISION.

Senator COURTNEY asked unanimous consent to recommit the Bill to the Committee on Judiciary.
There was no objection.

RECOMMITTED

H. 3403 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Wilkins, Young-Brickell, Meacham, Haskins, Davenport, Tripp, Seithel, Limehouse, Law, Delleney, Gamble, Trotter, Harrison, Dantzler, Littlejohn, Quinn, Chellis, Bailey, Mason, Allison, Harrell, Sandifer, Jordan, Inabinett, Stuart, Kelley, Rice, Canty, Neilson, Simrill, Moody-Lawrence, Altman, Easterday, Leach, Stoddard, F. Smith, Barfield and Edge: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 8, TITLE 39,
CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE "UNIFORM TRADE SECRETS ACT", SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CHANGE THE NAME AND SCOPE OF THE CHAPTER TO THE "SOUTH CAROLINA TRADE SECRETS ACT", CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF VARIOUS TERMS, ADD NEW DEFINITIONS, AND ADD CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF LAW.

Senator ALEXANDER asked unanimous consent to recommit the Bill to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
There was no objection.

CARRIED OVER

S. 846 (Word version) -- Senators Washington, Leventis, Reese, Gregory, Hutto and Short: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-540 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FILES, RECORDS, AND INDEXES TO BE KEPT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE DEPARTMENT FROM MAINTAINING RECORDS OF ACCIDENTS AS A PART OF A LICENSEE'S DRIVING RECORD UNLESS THE LICENSEE IS CONVICTED OF A TRAFFIC VIOLATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACCIDENT.
On motion of Senator HUTTO, the Bill was carried over.

THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE INTERRUPTED DEBATE.

AMENDED, AMENDMENT PROPOSED
DEBATE INTERRUPTED

S. 850 (Word version) -- Senators Setzler, Courson, Hayes, Lander, Wilson, Giese, Reese, Rankin, Bryan, Mescher, Russell, Washington, Branton, Short and Waldrep: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 18, TITLE 59, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO QUALITY CONTROLS AND PRODUCTIVITY REWARDS, SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING ACT; TO ESTABLISH GRADE SPECIFIC STATEWIDE ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICS, ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS, AND SCIENCE; TO ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR THE ASSESSMENT, EVALUATION, RATING, AND ACCREDITATION OF SCHOOL AND STUDENT PERFORMANCE IN REFERENCE TO THE STATEWIDE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE STANDARDS; TO ESTABLISH AN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO MONITOR THE IMPACT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACT; TO AMEND VARIOUS OTHER PROVISIONS OF TITLE 59, SO AS TO BRING THEM INTO CONFORMITY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING ACT; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 59-6-12, 59-18-10, 59-18-11, 59-18-15, 59-18-20, 59-18-25, 59-18-30, AND 59-18-31.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the third reading of the Bill.

Amendment No. 1

Senator SETZLER proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (S-EDUC\850.2), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, on page 3, line 34 by inserting:
/ social studies, /.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, on page 3, line 38 by striking /three/ and inserting:
/ four /.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, on page 5, line 9 by striking the line and inserting:
/ with the Division of Accountability in developing the formats of the assessment results. /.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, on page 5, line 32 by striking /system must/ and inserting:
/ system which must /.
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, on page 8, line 12 by inserting after /Palmetto/:
/ Platinum, /.
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, on page 22, line 22 by striking /a process for establishing/ and inserting:
/ appointment of /.
Amend title to conform.

Senator SETZLER explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Amendment No. 2A

Senator SETZLER proposed the following Amendment No. 2A (S-EDUC\850.4), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, on page 22, by striking lines 3 through 7 and inserting:
/promulgate regulations to fund no more than forty six alternative schools in the State. Alternative schools in districts with more than nine thousand five hundred students in average daily membership, which meet the criteria, shall be eligible for funding but are encouraged to cooperate with other nearby districts in operating and funding the school. Districts with less than nine thousand five hundred students must cooperate with another district or districts in operating and funding the alternative school. These schools must be at a site separate from other schools, unless operated at a time when those schools are not in session. These schools shall provide appropriate services to middle or high school/.
Amend title to conform.

Senator SETZLER explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Amendment No. 3

Senators ANDERSON and SETZLER proposed the following Amendment No. 3 (S-EDUC\850.21), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, on page 7, line 22 by inserting a new subsection to read:
/(F)   Charter schools established pursuant to Title 59, Chapter 40 will receive a performance rating and must issue a report card to parents and the public containing the rating and explaining its significance and providing other information similar to that required of other schools in this section. Alternative schools are included in the requirements of this chapter, however, the purpose of such schools must be taken into consideration in determining their performance rating and accreditation designation./
Amend title to conform.

Senator SETZLER explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Amendment No. 4A

Senator MARTIN proposed the following Amendment No. 4A (S-EDUC\850.31), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, on page 16, line 28 by striking /;/ and inserting:
/. Local boards of trustees negotiating contracts for the superintendency shall include a provision that the contract is void should the Governor declare that office of superintendency vacant pursuant to this section. This contract provision does not apply to any existing contracts but to new contracts or renewal of contracts;/.
Amend title to conform.

Senator MARTIN explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Amendment No. 5

Senator HAYES proposed the following Amendment No. 5 (S-EDUC\850.20), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, on page 18, line 3 by inserting after /center/ the following:
/and at least one business and industry representative from each school district elected by the members of the Tech Prep executive board/.
Amend title to conform.

Senator HAYES explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Amendment No. 6

Senators JACKSON and MATTHEWS proposed the following Amendment No. 6 (S-EDUC\850.10), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding a new SECTION to read:
/SECTION   .   Title 59, Chapter 18 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:   "Section 59-18-700.   The State Board of Education shall establish grant programs to fund homework centers in schools and districts designated as on notice or challenged. Schools and districts receiving such designations must provide centers where students can come and receive assistance in understanding and completing their school work. For homework centers meeting the criteria established by the board, funds will be provided as appropriated by the General Assembly."/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Senator JACKSON explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Amendment No. 7A

Senators MATTHEWS, WASHINGTON, HUTTO, SALEEBY, McGILL and GLOVER proposed the following Amendment No. 7A (S-EDUC\850.35), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding a new SECTION to read:
/SECTION   .   Title 59, Chapter 18 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 59-18-600.   The Department of Education, in consultation with the division, shall develop a program to provide a supplemental salary to teachers in the core academic areas defined in Section 59-18-110, who are selected to teach in schools designated as on notice or challenged beginning with school year 2000-2001. The supplement will be equal to twenty percent of the southeastern average teacher's salary and the funding will be distributed per eligible teacher by experience and degree obtained and on the EFA formula. The supplements are to be considered part of the regular salary base for which retirement contributions are deductible by the South Carolina Retirement System pursuant to Section 9-1-1020."/.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Senator MATTHEWS explained the amendment.

ACTING PRESIDENT PRESIDES

Senator MARTIN assumed the Chair at 1:50 P.M.

Senator MATTHEWS continued explaining the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Amendment No. 10

Senator FAIR proposed the following Amendment No. 10 (JIC\5263SD.98), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 59-18-120 of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 2, which begins on page 2, by adding a new subsection (E) to read:
/(E)   All assessments required to be developed or adopted under the provisions of this section or chapter must be objective and reliable. An "objective and reliable statewide assessment" means assessments which yield consistent results and which measure the congnitive knowledge and skills specified in the state-approved academic standards and does not include questions relative to personal opinions, feelings, or attitudes and is not biased with regard to race, gender, or socioeconomic status. It is not intended that the assessments be limited to true/false or multiple choice questions./
Reletter subsections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Senator FAIR explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Amendment No. 11

Senator FAIR proposed the following Amendment No. 11 (GJK\21179SD.98), which was laid on the table:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 59-18-140 of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 2, by striking beginning on line 34, page 4, / a norm referenced test to obtain an indication of student and school performance relative to national performance levels. The test shall be administered to a statistically valid random sample of students only as the division considers necessary to evaluate the accountability system. Norm referenced testing undertaken at the state level may not be used for individual diagnostic purposes / and inserting / a norm referenced test to provide comparisons of South Carolina students' achievement in relation to other students in the United States. The test must be administered to grades 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11 and testing shall test all students to give an accurate portrayal of student achievement in relation to other states. The norm referenced test must be administered beginning in the 1998-99 school year. Student performance data from national and international assessments State Board of Education must be used to monitor the rigor of the state standards./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Senator FAIR argued in favor of the adoption of the amendment and Senator SETZLER argued contra.

Senator SETZLER moved to lay the amendment on the table.

PRESIDENT PRESIDES

The PRESIDENT assumed the Chair at 2:23 P.M.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 28; Nays 15; Not Voting 1

AYES

Alexander                 Anderson                  Bryan
Cork                      Drummond                  Elliott
Ford                      Giese                     Glover
Hayes                     Holland                   Hutto
Jackson                   Land                      Lander
Leatherman                Martin                    Matthews
McGill                    Mescher                   O'Dell
Patterson                 Rankin                    Reese
Saleeby                   Setzler                   Short
Smith, J. Verne           

Total--28

NAYS

Branton                   Courson                   Courtney
Fair                      Gregory                   Grooms
McConnell                 Moore                     Peeler
Ravenel                   Russell                   Ryberg
Thomas                    Waldrep                   Wilson

Total--15

NOT VOTING

Leventis

Total--1

The amendment was laid on the table.

Amendment No. 12

Senator FAIR proposed the following Amendment No. 12 (GJK\21174SD.98):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 59-18-220 of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 2, by striking /and replace the school's principal/ which begins on line 15, page 12.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Senator FAIR explained the amendment.
Senator SETZLER spoke on the amendment.

On motion of Senator DRUMMOND, with unanimous consent, debate was interrupted by adjournment, with Senator SETZLER retaining the floor.

ADJOURNMENT

At 2:32 P.M., on motion of Senator DRUMMOND, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

* * *

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