COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) - At the South Carolina State House on Wednesday, legislators and medical professionals met to discuss possible solutions, including expanding the roles of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs).

South Carolina lawmakers said the state is facing a growing doctor shortage — one that’s especially severe in rural areas.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the United States could face a shortfall of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036. For South Carolina, that shortage means longer wait times and longer travel distances for patients, particularly in rural communities.

"If we don't have enough health care providers in the pipeline to get to the most rural areas, we've got to come up with something that's going to allow it," said Senate

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