Hospitals may use hallways and corridors for patient beds during emergencies.

This bill allows South Carolina hospitals to use hallways, corridors, and other means of egress for patient beds during justified emergencies. The onsite emergency department physician must document that all other treatment space is exhausted and patient safety is at risk. Hospitals must maintain clear pathways and not obstruct fire protection systems. The bill defines "justified emergency" and requires hospitals to develop protocols and train staff.

Hospitals may use hallways and corridors for patient beds during emergencies.

This bill allows South Carolina hospitals to use hallways, corridors, and other means of egress for patient beds during justified emergencies. The onsite emergency department physician must document that all other treatment space is exhausted and patient safety is at risk. Hospitals must maintain clear pathways and not obstruct fire protection systems. The bill defines "justified emergency" and requires hospitals to develop protocols and train staff.