South Carolina

South Carolina credentials two types of addiction counselors. A Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) I requires either an associate degree in a relevant field or a bachelor’s degree in any field, 270 hours of relevant education courses and 4,000 hours of supervised experience. A CAC II also requires either an associate degree in a relevant field or a bachelor’s degree in any field, 450 hours of related education and 4,000 hours of experience. S.C. Code Ann. §40-75 and South Carolina Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

Licensed professional counselors provide services to individuals, families, groups, marital counseling, play therapy, couples counseling, chemical abuse or dependency counseling, vocational counseling, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, intervention, human growth and development counseling, behavioral modification counseling and hypnotherapy. Counselors provide assessment, crisis intervention, guidance and counseling to facilitate normal growth and development, including educational and career development. Diagnostic ability is not outlined in statute. S.C. Code Ann. §40-75-20(16)

As of August 2018, 77 NPs in South Carolina have received a federal waiver to treat opioid dependency with buprenorphine-containing products. Consistent with their prescriptive authority and with proper training or appropriate experience NPs can receive a federal waiver to dispense buprenorphine-containing products, as long as the supervising physician is certified, trained, or permitted to treat and manage patients with opioid use disorder. S.C. Code Ann. §40-33-34(F)

As of August 2018, 16 PAs in South Carolina have received a federal waiver to treat opioid dependency with buprenorphine-containing products. A South Carolina PA may prescribe controlled substances as delegated by a supervising physician. South Carolina PAs with proper training or appropriate experience can receive a federal waiver to dispense buprenorphine-containing products, as long as the supervising physician is certified, trained, or permitted to treat and manage patients with opioid use disorder. S.C. Code Ann. §40-47-965

The standards and requirements for certification of a peer support specialists were developed through a collaborative effort between the state’s Department of Mental Health and a third-party, non-profit certification provider.

NPs are authorized to sign physician orders for scope of treatment forms if authorized to do by the practice agreement with a physician. S.C. Code Ann. §44-80-110

Written protocol with a physician is required. The protocol must outline information for delegated medical acts and a description of how consultation with the physician is provided. The protocol must be reviewed annually. S.C. Code Ann. §40-33-34(D)

Drugs and devices prescribed must be within the NP’s specialty and listed in the written protocol developed by the NP and the supervising physician. An NP may also prescribe Schedules II-V controlled substances. S.C. Code Ann. §40-33-34(F)

NPs are recognized in state policy as primary care providers. The South Carolina Medicaid Provider Manual lists the provider types that may enroll as a primary care provider on Page 955.

Optometrists may only perform procedures related to foreign body removal and the examination, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of the human eye. S.C. 40-37-3-(B)

Optometrists may not give any medications through injection or intravenously. However, they administer the COVID-19 vaccine. S.C. Code Ann. §40-37290(5) and Joint Resolution 3707

Optometrists may prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances and Schedule II controlled substances containing hydrocodone combinations. S.C. Code Ann. §40-37-290

If employed by or contracted through the Department of Health and Environment Control, a dental hygienist may provide services under general supervision that does not require prior examination by a dentist in settings such as schools or nursing homes. The dental hygienist must carry professional liability insurance. S.C. Code Ann. §40-15-110(A)(10)

Statute does not identify dental therapists as an oral health provider.

South Carolina does not explicitly allow for the practice of teledentistry.

South Carolina has not enacted legislation allowing pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the federal PREP Act does allow pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine through the duration of the public health emergency.

South Carolina does not allow pharmacists to modify prescriptions.

South Carolina does not allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives.

South Carolina does not allow pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation aids.

A supervisory relationship is required and scope of practice guidelines must be approved by the State Board of Medicine. Statute outlines what must be included in the guidelines,  including medical conditions for which therapies may be initiated, continued or modified and treatments that may be initiated, continued or modified. S.C. Code Ann. §40-47-955, S.C. Code Ann. §40-47-960

A PA may prescribe drugs, devices and controlled substances delegated by the supervisory physician. S.C. Code Ann. §40-47-965

PA’s may perform medical services within the written scope of practice guidelines under physician supervision. The State Medical Board must approve the proposed scope of practice guidelines. S.C. Code Ann. §40-47-938