South Carolina
LLC
Website link to register:
https://sos.sc.gov/businesses
Naming conventions
Cannot use words that imply affiliation with government. Must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” PLLCs required for professional services.
Licensing Requirements
Licenses must be validated by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Malpractice insurance required. Certifications for lab testing or diagnostic imaging may be needed.
Required documentation for medical practices
Articles of Organization, Controlled Substances Permits, Professional Licenses, Malpractice Insurance
Filing Fee: $110
Annual/Biennial Fee: None
Additional Notes: No annual report requirement for LLCs.
Medicaid
Program Name: South Carolina Healthy Connections
Official Website: http://scdhhs.gov/
Legislation: South Carolina passed SB 345 in 2020, defining DPC agreements as not being insurance and exempting them from state insurance laws.
Private Contracting
Explicitly permitted; DPC agreements are recognized and not subject to state insurance laws.
Restrictions
No explicit restrictions for DPC providers; compliance with federal and state regulations is required.
Medicaid Program
South Carolina Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible low-income residents through Healthy Connections.
Notification Requirements
Notification required if Medicaid patients are not being accepted.
Provider Enrollment Requirements
Providers must enroll with Healthy Connections to serve beneficiaries directly or offer reimbursable services.
Enrollment Options
No "Ordering and Referring Only" status available.
Ordering, Referrals, and Testing
Non-enrolled providers may face challenges with Medicaid recognition for orders and referrals.
Designated PCP Restrictions
DPC physicians cannot serve as Medicaid PCPs.
Billing and Reimbursement
DPC practices typically do not bill Medicaid for services covered under private agreements.
Managed Care Plan Exemptions
Not specified.
Billing Clarity
Cannot bill Medicaid patients for covered services unless explicitly outlined.
CMS Guidance
CMS supports innovative care models through Managed Care frameworks.
Opportunities for Collaboration
Opportunities may exist to collaborate with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) or state healthcare initiatives.
State-Specific Notes
Collaboration opportunities exist with South Carolina Medicaid Managed Care Organizations for DPC integration.
Dispensing Medication
Board of Pharmacy Official Link: https://llr.sc.gov/bop/
State Licensing
Physicians must register with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy for dispensing controlled substances.
Scope of Practice
Physicians may dispense medications directly; controlled substances require additional licensing.
Inventory Management
Maintain accurate inventory logs and secure storage for controlled substances.
Record-Keeping
Records must comply with South Carolina state and federal HIPAA standards.
Dispensing Standards
Labels must include patient name, prescribing physician, dosage, and detailed usage instructions.
Controlled Substances
DEA registration and reporting to South Carolina’s PMP are mandatory for controlled substances.
Billing and Reimbursement
Billing practices must comply with South Carolina-specific regulations and federal Stark Law.
Federal Compliance
Adherence to FDA, DEA, and OSHA standards is mandatory for dispensing medications.
State Pharmacy Laws
Physicians must follow South Carolina Board of Pharmacy regulations for controlled substances dispensing.
Patient Consent
Informed consent is required prior to dispensing medications.
Insurance and Liability
Liability insurance must cover risks related to dispensing activities.
Training Requirements
Continuing education is encouraged for compliance with South Carolina’s controlled substances laws.
Audits and Inspections
Inspections are conducted by the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy, with penalties for violations.