A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-5-340, RELATING TO CONSENT TO HEALTH SERVICES, SO AS TO MAKE THE PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO K-12 STUDENTS EIGHTEEN YEARS OR OLDER, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN PUBLIC EMPLOYEES MAY NOT ACCOMPANY, ASSIST, OR OTHERWISE PARTICIPATE IN HELPING K-12 STUDENTS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN OBTAIN NONEMERGENCY OR NONURGENT HEALTH SERVICES; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 63-5-350 RELATING TO RENDERING HEALTH SERVICES TO MINORS WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT.

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

SECTION 1.   Section 63-5-340 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

   Section 63-5-340.   (A) Any minor K-12 student who has reached the age of sixteen eighteen years may consent to any health services from a person authorized by law to render the particular health service for himself and the consent of no other person shall be necessary unless such involves an operation which shall be performed only if such is essential to the health or life of such child in the opinion of the performing physician and a consultant physician if one is available.

   (B) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (A), a public employee, including a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or any other person employed by the State, a political subdivision of the State, or a school district may not accompany, assist, or otherwise participate in helping a K-12 student who is less than eighteen years of age obtain nonemergency or nonurgent health services, including obtaining prescription medication.

SECTION 2.   Section 63-5-350 of the S.C. Code is repealed.

SECTION 3.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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