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South Carolina Medical License

David Ivaniuk • 24 August 2023 (updated)
South Carolina

License Requirements

  • FCVS Packet
  • All State Medical Licenses (past/present)
  • Criminal Background Check
  • AMA / AOA profile
  • ABMS Certification
  • Average Processing Time: 3-4 months

Training Requirements

  • 4 attempts per USMLE Step and COMLEX Level
  • 1 year, 3 years IMG Minimum Postgraduate Training Required
  • 10 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX

South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners

South Carolina Medical License Application

If you’re a healthcare professional—be it a physician, physician assistant, or nurse—looking to practice medicine in South Carolina, you’ll need to secure a medical license. The state offers various types of licenses tailored to your qualifications and specific needs. Here’s a breakdown:

Permanent License: This is the standard license that grants you unrestricted medical practice rights. To qualify, you must:

  • Graduate from an accredited medical or osteopathic school.
  • Complete a minimum of one year in an accredited postgraduate training program.
  • Pass all three steps of the USMLE or COMLEX.
  • Hold a valid license in another state or have been licensed within the past two years.

Submit a completed application with the required documents and a $400 application fee. An initial license fee of $200 is also required. Applications can be submitted online or by mail.

Limited Medical License in South Carolina

This temporary license allows you to practice under specific conditions or for a limited duration. There are two sub-categories:

Academic License: This permits you to practice as a faculty member at an accredited medical school or teaching hospital. Requirements are similar to those of a permanent license, but the application fee is $100, and the annual renewal fee is $50. Applications must be mailed.

14-Day Limited License: This allows you to practice for up to 14 days per year. The requirements are the same as for a permanent license, but the application fee is $100. There is no renewal fee, and you can apply online or by mail.

Navigating the medical licensing process in South Carolina can be complex, but it’s a necessary step for a rewarding medical career in the state.

South Carolina Medical Board License Renewal

Physicians: Must complete 40 hours of Category 1 CME accredited by ACCME or AOA. An additional 40 hours can be Category 2 CME. The biennial renewal fee is $200, with a $100 late fee.

Physician Assistants: Required to complete 50 hours of Category 1 CME biennially, with at least 20 hours related to their practice area. They must also maintain NCCPA certification. The renewal fee is $100, and the late fee is $100.

Nurses: Must complete 30 contact hours of CE biennially, with at least 15 hours related to pharmacotherapeutics. They must also maintain certification by the ANCC or another recognized body. The renewal fee is $65, and the late fee is $100.

South Carolina Telemedicine License

To practice telemedicine in the state, physicians must hold a valid South Carolina medical license. However, it’s noteworthy that the physician doesn’t need to be a resident of South Carolina to offer telehealth services.

Telehealth Requirements and Regulations in South Carolina

State Licensure: Physicians must be licensed in South Carolina, even if they are providing telemedicine services from another state.

Patient Relationship: Before initiating telemedicine services, a physician-patient relationship must be established, which usually involves a face-to-face consultation. Subsequent consultations may be conducted remotely.

Technology: The technology used for telemedicine must be HIPAA-compliant to ensure patient confidentiality. This typically includes secure video conferencing tools and encrypted data storage solutions.

Prescriptions: Physicians can prescribe medications via telemedicine, but they must adhere to the same prescribing laws as they would in an in-person consultation. Controlled substances may have additional restrictions.

Documentation: Just like in-person visits, telemedicine consultations must be documented and stored in the patient’s medical record. This includes diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptions.

Billing and Reimbursement: South Carolina Medicaid reimburses for live video consultations, but policies can vary for private insurance companies. It’s advisable to check with individual insurance providers for their specific reimbursement policies.

Liability and Malpractice: Physicians practicing telemedicine are subject to the same liability laws as in-person consultations. Therefore, they must ensure that their malpractice insurance covers telehealth services.

South Carolina Medical License Lookup

South Carolina offers a variety of platforms for verifying medical licenses, but the good news is that a single primary resource can be used for most healthcare professionals. This includes doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, physician assistants, optometrists, podiatrists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. The primary tool provides comprehensive search results, including the licensee’s name, license number, professional designation, and city of practice.

For those looking to verify licenses for health facilities like hospitals, or for health insurance professionals, separate dedicated online tools are available. Below are the respective links for each category:

South Carolina Medical Licensing Service

Navigating South Carolina’s medical licensing landscape can be challenging. That’s where MedicalLicensing.com comes in. Our team of experts is committed to guiding you through every step, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. We handle all administrative tasks with precision, allowing you to focus on delivering exceptional patient care.

FAQ About South Carolina Medical Licenure

  • How do I apply for a medical license in South Carolina?
    To apply for a medical license in South Carolina, you need to meet the eligibility requirements, submit an application form, and pay the application fee. The application process and fee vary depending on the type of license you are applying for.
  • How long does it take to get a medical license in South Carolina?
    According to the SCBME website, the average processing time for a permanent license is 8 to 12 weeks, and for a limited license is 4 to 6 weeks. However, these are only estimates and not guarantees.
  • How much is a medical license in South Carolina?
    Fees vary depending on the license type. For example, Physician Academic License fees are $150, Limited License Application – $75 for six months, 14 Days Limited License Application – $75, and Permanent License Application – $580.
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State Requirements

Check out individual state requirements by clicking the links down below.