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SC H5164
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/11/2026
Primary Sponsor
William Hewitt
Click for details
AI Summary
- Adds Section 44-7-255 to South Carolina law allowing hospitals to place patient beds in hallways, corridors, and other means of egress during "justified emergencies"
- Defines "justified emergency" as: declared state of emergency, natural/manmade disaster, mass transit accident, industrial accident, chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear event, terrorist violence, infectious disease outbreak, or exhausted emergency department capacity
- Requires the onsite emergency department physician to document within 7 calendar days that all other treatment space was exhausted and patient safety would be jeopardized without using hallway beds
- Hospitals must maintain clear pathways, not block exits, avoid obstructing fire protection systems, and remove beds from egress areas when the emergency ends
- Hospitals must submit quarterly reports to the Department of Public Health documenting each justified emergency incident and develop written protocols for these conditions
Legislative Description
Hospitals
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
2/11/2026
Committee Referrals
Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs2/11/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available