Drs. Bernard and Shaffer testify before the South Carolina Legislature on scope of practice Artwork

Patients at Risk

Patients at Risk exposes the political maneuvering and corporate greed that has led to the replacement of physicians by lesser trained practitioners, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants. As corporations seek to save money and government agencies aim to increase constituent access, minimum qualifications for our nation’s healthcare guardians continue to decline—with deadly consequences. This is a story that has not yet been told, and one that has dangerous repercussions for all Americans.

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Patients at Risk

Drs. Bernard and Shaffer testify before the South Carolina Legislature on scope of practice

September 13, 2025 • Rebekah Bernard MD and Niran Al-Agba MD • Season 1 • Episode 116

The South Carolina Legislature has introduced bills that would allow unsupervised practice to nurse practitioners and physician assistants after 2000 hours of experience, as well as a bill that would expand pharmacist privileges. On the flip side, there's also a bill that would enhance team-based care, ensuring that physicians remain in the lead of medical care and strengthening requirements and enforcement of physician oversight.

Today, you'll hear just a small part of the very, very long two days of testimony before the South Carolina legislature on these bills. Dr. Phil Schaffer and I were invited by the South Carolina Medical Association and we were asked specifically to focus on data - specifically, the evidence to support unsupervised practice.

Take a listen to our testimony and at the end you'll hear a few questions from legislators.

IF YOU'RE A SOUTH CAROLINA PHYSICIAN, please join and support the South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA) - they are working hard to fight for physician-led care. https://www.scmedical.org/

PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org