Medical Ethics and Diversity Act

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "MEDICAL ETHICS AND DIVERSITY ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 139 TO TITLE 44 SO AS TO SET FORTH FINDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGARDING THE RIGHT OF CONSCIENCE IN THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY; TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS; TO AUTHORIZE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS, HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS, AND HEALTH CARE PAYERS NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN HEALTH CARE SERVICES THAT VIOLATE THE PRACTITIONER'S OR ENTITY'S CONSCIENCE AND TO PROTECT THESE INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES FROM CIVIL, CRIMINAL, OR ADMINISTRATIVE LIABILITY AND FROM DISCRIMINATION FOR EXERCISING THEIR PERSONAL RIGHT OF CONSCIENCE, WITH EXCEPTIONS; TO ALLOW MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AND HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE STATE HUMAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR AN ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THE CHAPTER; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-41-55, RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF CERTAIN MEDICAL PROVIDERS NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN ABORTION PROCEDURES, SO AS ALSO TO APPLY TO MEDICAL STUDENTS. - ratified title