South Carolina faces critical doctor shortage: Here's what lawmakers want to do to fix it.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Lawmakers are considering several bills that aim to ease a statewide shortage, but some proposals are drawing mixed reactions.

South Carolina is more than 4,500 physicians this year. and is projected stay in one until 2035, with a deficit of 3,700 physician, according to an April report from the SC Department of Health and Human Services.

During a hearing Wednesday, lawmakers heard testimony on multiple bills that would lower supervision requirements for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Under current law, both must practice under a supervising doctor.

One proposal would allow physician assistants to work independently after completing 2,000 hours of experience. Another would let nurse practitioners open their own practices if they meet certain criteria.

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