TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-117, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS BY THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS INTO ALLEGATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CERTIFIED REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS BY A PANEL OF THE BOARD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC WHEN FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, ALONG WITH ANY ACCOMPANYING TRANSCRIPTS AND EXHIBITS, AND THAT THESE DOCUMENTS ALL MUST BE MADE PUBLIC EVEN IF THE PANEL RECOMMENDS DISMISSAL OR A PRIVATE REPRIMAND.

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

SECTION    1.    Section 40-47-117(B)(4) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(4)    A copy of the panel's certified report of proceedings required under items (2) or (3) must be:

(a)    served upon the Office of General Counsel and the respondent or counsel; and

(b)    made available to the public when filed with the department, along with any accompanying transcripts and exhibits. These documents all must be made public even if the panel recommends dismissal or a private reprimand."

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