SC State Legislative Day
L-R: Rob Malanuk, MD, Chapter Board member, Representative Beth Bernstein, Representative Kirkman Finlay, III and Chapter President, Michael Foster. MD.
The South Carolina chapter kicked off our first State Legislative Day on February 8, 2022.
Chapter President, Michael Foster, MD and board member Rob Malanuk, MD met with Gene Hogan, South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Committee, Research Director, Senator Sandy Senn, Representative Beth Bernstein and Representative Kirkman Finlay, III.
Issues discussed included the CON repeal coalition being formed. This bill has already made significant progress so far, but focus is now on getting House support. This is important to ACC as it would repeal the limit to Ambulatory Surgical Centers. Many of our members work in ASCs and perform cardiology care like PCIs which CMS has approved in the ASC setting.
Administrative burdens of concerns were discussed, in particular exploring possibilities of restricting prior authorization burdens imposed by health insurance companies, similar to those bills proposed at a national level in congress. The Chapter proposed to work with Rep Kirkman on potential legislation.
The first SC State Legislative Day was overall a success. Those met with were very receptive of concerns and eager to learn more.