A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-3445 SO AS TO REQUIRE HOSPITAL ATTENDING PHYSICIANS TO CONSULT WITH ANY SPECIALIST PHYSICIAN TREATING A PATIENT UPON THE REQUEST OF THE PATIENT OR THE PATIENT'S FAMILY OR OTHER AUTHORIZED HEALTHCARE DECISION MAKER.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  Article 27, Chapter 7, Title 44 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 44-7-3445. Hospital attending physicians must consult with any specialist physician treating a patient upon the request of the patient, the patient's family, or any other person authorized to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient. For purposes of this section, a "specialist physician" means a physician with additional training regarding a specific area of medicine or group of patients, such as cardiology, nephrology, or geriatrics.

 

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

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