Physician Assistant Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in South Carolina

Our recruiters and staffing specialists do not expect you, the provider, to know ins-and-outs of every state in the country. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled information from TripAdvisor, state government pages, and tourist information sources to give you a glimpse into life in South Carolina.

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South Carolina’s history is deeply interwoven with the nation’s story. Early colonial wealth was built on rice and indigo plantations, tragically dependent on slave labor. The state played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and was the first to secede during the Civil War. Today, while tourism and industry thrive, South Carolina grapples with a complex past. Historical cities like Charleston bear witness to both the beauty and the painful struggles that shaped the state’s identity.

From its earliest colonial days to the challenges of the modern era, South Carolina’s history is one of resilience and transformation. Its landscapes and cities hold echoes of the past, shaping the ongoing dialogue of the South Carolina experience. It’s a history filled with complexity, both hardship and triumph, continuing to evolve with each new generation.

• Historic Charleston: Explore Charleston’s cobblestone streets, admire its beautiful architecture, visit historic plantations like Boone Hall, and experience vibrant Gullah Geechee culture.
• Coastal Getaway: Soak up the sun on the beaches of Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, or Kiawah Island. Enjoy fresh seafood, water sports, and a lively vacation atmosphere.
• Golfing Paradise: Hit some balls at South Carolina’s world-renowned golf courses, many with beautiful coastal or mountain settings.
• Upstate Beauty Hike scenic trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, explore charming towns like Greenville, and discover picturesque waterfalls.

• North Carolina: South Carolina shares its entire northern border with North Carolina. The distance from central South Carolina to the North Carolina border is about 100 miles. 
• Georgia: South Carolina’s southwestern border connects with Georgia. The distance from central South Carolina to the Georgia border is approximately 130 miles. 
• Florida: The southern tip of South Carolina is relatively close to the northern border of Florida. The distance between the two states at their closest points is approximately 200 miles.

What is the Scope of Practice for Physician Assistants in South Carolina?

South Carolina has granted physician assistants (PAs) full practice authority, allowing them to evaluate patients, diagnose illnesses, create treatment plans, order tests, and prescribe medications independently. This policy recognizes the skills and qualifications of PAs and increases access to healthcare, especially in underserved areas. It also benefits patients by providing more personalized care, shorter wait times, and the flexibility to choose their provider. For PAs, full practice authority signifies recognition of their expertise, leads to greater job satisfaction, and attracts talented professionals to the field. This progressive move enhances healthcare access, improves patient outcomes, and strengthens collaboration among healthcare professionals.

Can Physician Assistants Sign Death Certificates in South Carolina?

Physician assistants in South Carolina can sign death certificates under specific circumstances. They may do so if a physician isn’t readily available, the death isn’t suspicious or a result of violence or trauma, and the PA has personal knowledge of the facts of the death. PAs must undergo specific training and pass a competency exam before they can sign death certificates. This step helps ensure that death certificates are completed accurately and efficiently by qualified healthcare professionals.

Does South Carolina Recognize Physician Assistants as Primary Care Providers? 

South Carolina recognizes physician assistants as primary care providers through its statutes and administrative codes. This recognition ensures greater access to primary care services, especially in underserved areas. PAs are trained to provide a wide range of medical services, working collaboratively with physicians to ensure comprehensive care. Recognizing PAs as primary care providers supports the state’s goal of improving healthcare outcomes and reducing costs, as PAs provide high-quality care at a lower cost. South Carolina’s recognition of PAs demonstrates its commitment to addressing healthcare challenges and providing citizens with the best possible care.

Can Physician Assistants Prescribe Schedule II Drugs in South Carolina?

Yes, physician assistants can prescribe schedule II drugs in South Carolina.

Do Physician Assistants Qualify for Medical Staff Membership in South Carolina?

Physician assistants who meet specific requirements are eligible for medical staff membership in South Carolina. Medical staff membership allows PAs to participate in governance, hold leadership positions, participate in peer review activities, and enhance their professional standing. As medical staff members, PAs are expected to uphold ethical and professional standards, participate in continuing medical education, work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, and follow policies and procedures. This recognition underscores the evolving role of PAs in modern healthcare and their significant contributions to delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and patient-centered care.

Can Physician Assistants Order Physical Therapy in South Carolina?

Physician assistants have the authority to order physical therapy for their patients without a referral from a physician or surgeon. PAs must have a strong understanding of physical therapy and its role in patient care. Benefits of allowing PAs to order physical therapy include increased access to care, improved quality of care, and reduced costs. This change reflects the growing recognition of the important role that PAs play in the healthcare system.

Can Physician Assistants Sign Handicap Parking Permit Forms in South Carolina?

In the state of South Carolina, physicians assistants play a vital role in facilitating accessibility and ensuring individuals with disabilities receive the necessary assistance. Among their responsibilities, physicians assistants are authorized to certify disability for parking placards. This privilege allows them to evaluate individuals’ medical conditions and determine their eligibility for special parking privileges. By issuing parking placards, physicians assistants contribute to a more inclusive and accessible environment for persons with disabilities, enabling them to participate fully in various aspects of daily life. This authorization reflects their commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals with diverse medical needs.

Can Physician Assistants Sign POLST/POST/MOLST/MOST/COLST Forms in South Carolina? 

Yes, physician assistants can sign a POLST Form.

Can Physician Assistants Sign Do Not Resuscitate Orders in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, physician assistants can sign a DNR order.

What are the Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physician Assistants in South Carolina?

Physician assistants in South Carolina must complete 100 continuing education (CE) hours to renew their license. This requirement ensures they stay up-to-date with medical advances, promotes lifelong learning, and protects the public. PAs can obtain CE hours through various activities like conferences, workshops, seminars, and online courses. The CE requirement is an essential part of ensuring PAs provide high-quality healthcare services to patients.