Bill Text: SC H3098 | 2011-2012 | 119th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Study committee on staff compensation at public hospitals
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-01-11 - Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs [H3098 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2011-H3098-Introduced.html
A JOINT RESOLUTION
TO ESTABLISH A STUDY COMMITTEE TO REVIEW COMPENSATION OF PHYSICIANS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND OTHER HIGHLY-COMPENSATED STAFF MEMBERS OF PUBLIC HOSPITALS, TO EVALUATE THE REASONABLENESS OF THIS COMPENSATION, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCLUSION.
Whereas, public hospitals provide invaluable access to health throughout the Palmetto State; and
Whereas, in seeking to provide the best medical care through these outstanding public hospitals, the need to ensure fiscal responsibility is especially important during these difficult economic times; and
Whereas, in order to promote the goal of providing the best possible health care as economically as possible, the General Assembly seeks to gain a better understanding of costs associated with compensating certain health care providers and administrators employed by our public hospitals. Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. (A) There is established a study committee to review, study, and make recommendations concerning the compensation of physicians, administrators, and other highly-compensated staff members of public hospitals in this State, except for the salaries of licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or other nurses serving in nonadministrative capacities.
(B) For the purposes of this study committee, a 'highly-compensated staff member' means a person employed by a public hospital in this state whose total annual salary is at least one hundred thousand dollars.
(C) In conducting this study and making recommendations concerning compensation, the study committee shall consider:
(1) the total compensation made available to these employees, including salary, bonus plans, retirement contributions or matches, leave, and other fringe benefits;
(2) compensation for physicians, administrators, and other highly-paid staff members of public hospitals in the Southeastern United States and throughout the entire United States;
(3) compensation for physicians, administrators, and other highly-paid staff members of private hospitals in this State;
(4) the reasonableness of the compensation of physicians, administrators, and other highly-paid staff members of public hospitals in this state compared to those in private hospitals in this state, public hospitals in the Southeastern United States, and in public hospitals throughout the entire United States.
SECTION 2. (A) The study committee must be composed of five members, as follows:
(1) one member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;
(2) one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(3) one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;
(4) one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; and
(5) one member appointed by the Governor.
(B) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8-13-770, a member of the General Assembly may be appointed to serve on this study committee.
(C) A member of the study committee shall serve until his successor is appointed and qualified, and a vacancy must be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the manner of original appointment.
(D) A member of the study committee must serve without pay.
SECTION 3. The study committee shall make a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 19, 2012, at which time the study committee must be abolished.
SECTION 4. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
