A JOINT RESOLUTION

TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE Department of Health and Environmental Control, RELATING TO Standards for Licensing Ambulatory Surgical Facilities, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5264, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.

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

SECTION 1.  The regulations of the Department of Health and Environmental Control, relating to Standards for Licensing Ambulatory Surgical Facilities, designated as Regulation Document Number 5264, and submitted to the General Assembly pursuant to the provisions of Article 1, Chapter 23, Title 1 of the S.C. Code, are approved.

SECTION 2.  This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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SUMMARY AS SUBMITTED

BY PROMULGATING AGENCY.

Pursuant to S.C. Code Sections 44-7-250 and 44-7-260(A)(4), the Department establishes and enforces the minimum standards for the licensure, maintenance, and operation of ambulatory surgical facilities to ensure the safe and appropriate treatment of persons served in this state. In accordance with 2023 Act No. 20 (S.164), the Department proposes amending R.61-91 to promulgate regulations concerning the provision of uncompensated indigent/charity care required pursuant to S.C. Code Section 44-7-266(B) and -(C), including related definitions, licensure requirements, reporting requirements, and enforcement. Additionally, the Department proposes amending the regulation to address the required quality of care, services, and treatment provided by facilities and to prescribe the manner and method of fee payments. The Administrative Procedures Act, S.C. Code Section 1-23-120(A), requires General Assembly review of these proposed amendments.

The Department had a Notice of Drafting published in the August 25, 2023, South Carolina State Register.

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