Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Bill Tracker link: scha.org/bill-tracking
This week at the State House brought significant movement on several priority bills for South Carolina hospitals.
Medical malpractice reform (H. 4544) cleared the House after an expedited procedural motion that allowed second and third readings midweek; the measure now moves to the Senate for committee consideration and a floor vote. SCHA will continue to engage with Senate leaders as the bill advances toward Governor McMaster's desk.
The HALO Act (H.4763) also advanced on the Senate calendar, with Senators amending the House bill to clarify protections for healthcare workers in clinical settings. This amended version passed the upper chamber unanimously and will return to the House for consideration. SCHA will continue to advocate for the House to adopt the Senate language so the bill can be sent to the governor.
Hallway bed legislation (S.958) was also debated and advanced with broad support in both chambers. The companion measures give hospitals limited authority to place patients outside of rooms during justified emergencies, providing an operational tool for managing surges while maintaining patient safety.
Rural access remained a focus as the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation(S. 895) bill moved out of a House committee and onto the Senate calendar, reflecting ongoing bipartisan attention to sustaining care in smaller communities. SCHA will monitor crossover activity and coordinate member outreach as needed to support rural hospitals.
Budget hearings this week included the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina, with discussions centered on investments in medical education and major capital projects. Lawmakers reviewed plans for both the neurological hospital in Columbia and a future cancer hospital in Charleston, topics that have implications for statewide capacity and workforce development.
Member engagement at the State House was strong: Prisma Health brought leadership teams to the grounds on Tuesday and Thursday to meet with legislators, and Novant Health and AnMed are scheduled to be on site next week. These visits underscore the value of visible, coordinated advocacy in shaping legislative outcomes.
SCHA will continue to actively track legislation and advocate on our priorities and will strive to keep members informed as bills cross over and final votes occur. Tune in next week for the Week 12 update and further legislative developments!
Bill Tracker link: scha.org/bill-tracking
This week at the State House brought significant movement on several priority bills for South Carolina hospitals.
Medical malpractice reform (H. 4544) cleared the House after an expedited procedural motion that allowed second and third readings midweek; the measure now moves to the Senate for committee consideration and a floor vote. SCHA will continue to engage with Senate leaders as the bill advances toward Governor McMaster's desk.
The HALO Act (H.4763) also advanced on the Senate calendar, with Senators amending the House bill to clarify protections for healthcare workers in clinical settings. This amended version passed the upper chamber unanimously and will return to the House for consideration. SCHA will continue to advocate for the House to adopt the Senate language so the bill can be sent to the governor.
Hallway bed legislation (S.958) was also debated and advanced with broad support in both chambers. The companion measures give hospitals limited authority to place patients outside of rooms during justified emergencies, providing an operational tool for managing surges while maintaining patient safety.
Rural access remained a focus as the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation(S. 895) bill moved out of a House committee and onto the Senate calendar, reflecting ongoing bipartisan attention to sustaining care in smaller communities. SCHA will monitor crossover activity and coordinate member outreach as needed to support rural hospitals.
Budget hearings this week included the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina, with discussions centered on investments in medical education and major capital projects. Lawmakers reviewed plans for both the neurological hospital in Columbia and a future cancer hospital in Charleston, topics that have implications for statewide capacity and workforce development.
Member engagement at the State House was strong: Prisma Health brought leadership teams to the grounds on Tuesday and Thursday to meet with legislators, and Novant Health and AnMed are scheduled to be on site next week. These visits underscore the value of visible, coordinated advocacy in shaping legislative outcomes.
SCHA will continue to actively track legislation and advocate on our priorities and will strive to keep members informed as bills cross over and final votes occur. Tune in next week for the Week 12 update and further legislative developments!
