Quality of and access to healthcare in South Carolina

As chairman of the state senate’s Healthcare Markets Subcommittee, I’ve learned that the quality of and access to healthcare in South Carolina is negatively affected by: 

1. not having enough healthcare providers; 

2. non-physician providers not being allowed to practice to their full scope of competency;

3. capital investment in healthcare being restricted by state law, and

4. underutilization of new healthcare technologies. 

These barriers have contributed to persistent healthcare disparities across our state. South Carolina consistently ranks among the bottom third of states for key health indicators such as access to care, primary care physician supply, and rural health outcomes. Nearly one in four South Carolinians lives in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), and many rural hospitals are struggling to keep their doors open.

To fix this situation, I authored and supported legislation now on the books that;

• increased the scope of practice for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified medical assistants, which has greatly increased healthcare access, especially in rural areas

• removed outdated supervision requirements that slowed down care delivery and discouraged medical professionals from practicing in the state.

• served as the floor leader for legislation that repealed South Carolina’s Certificate of Need (CON) law, which had long allowed large hospitals to block competition and restricted investment in new clinics, surgical centers, and specialty care.

• modernized our healthcare system by promoting the expansion and reimbursement of telehealth and remote care—especially critical during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when telemedicine became a lifeline for patients.

As a result of these efforts, South Carolinians now have more options when it comes to healthcare access, particularly in regions that were previously underserved. This progress has empowered local providers to expand services and helped reduce travel times and wait times for care.

For these efforts, I’ve received achievement awards from healthcare advocates such as:

• the Association of Nurse Practitioners

• the Coalition for Access to Health Care

• the Association of Nurse Anesthetists

• the SC Public Health Association

• and the SC Primary Care Association. 

I remain committed to creating a healthcare environment that supports innovation, expands access, and ensures every South Carolinian—regardless of zip code—can receive high-quality care.