Landmark legislation modernizes hiring processes for long-term care providers while maintaining strong resident protections
COLUMBIA, SC, May 22, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- LeadingAge South Carolina proudly celebrates the passage and enactment of Senate Bill 819, transformative workforce legislation drafted by LeadingAge South Carolina that modernizes tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements for nursing homes and community residential care facilities while preserving strong health and safety protections for residents and staff.Governor Henry McMaster officially signed the legislation into law on May 22, 2026, following bipartisan support and successful passage through both the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives.
The new law, codified as Section 44-31-45 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, establishes an updated, evidence-based process for tuberculosis screening for applicants and new employees in long-term care settings. The legislation removes unnecessary delays in the hiring process by allowing qualified applicants with documented negative TB screenings to begin work sooner, while still requiring appropriate follow-up testing, symptom monitoring, and adherence to CDC and South Carolina Department of Public Health guidelines.
LeadingAge South Carolina worked collaboratively with lawmakers, healthcare leaders, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health throughout the legislative process to ensure the law carefully balanced workforce needs with resident safety and public health standards.
“This legislation shows what’s possible when providers, policymakers, and public health leaders work together to solve workforce challenges facing our state,” said Kassie South, CEO of LeadingAge South Carolina. “This bill helps providers hire qualified workers faster, and maintains strong protections for residents. We are incredibly grateful to the Senate Medical Affairs Committee, House 3M Committee, the South Carolina Department of Public Health, and Governor McMaster for their partnership and commitment to supporting South Carolina’s caregivers, providers, and seniors.”
South Carolina’s long-term care providers have faced extraordinary workforce pressures in recent years, intensified by healthcare staffing shortages, increasing regulatory requirements, and hiring delays tied to outdated two-step TB testing processes. Under previous requirements, applicants often faced delays of 10 to 14 days before they could begin employment — creating major hiring challenges in a competitive workforce environment where employers across industries are competing for talent.
LeadingAge South Carolina championed this legislation to reduce unnecessary administrative barriers while ensuring healthcare facilities maintain rigorous safety protocols. The law continues to require comprehensive screening measures, including annual facility risk assessments, documentation of negative TB testing, symptom evaluations, and additional medical review when necessary.
The legislation also reflects South Carolina’s status as a low-risk tuberculosis state and aligns state policy with modern CDC guidance and evidence-based practices.
Throughout the process, LeadingAge South Carolina emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the healthcare workforce pipeline. Providers across the state continue to face severe shortages of nurses, caregivers, and support staff, while simultaneously working to provide quality of care to seniors.
“Today marks a major milestone for South Carolina and the future of senior living in our state,” said LeadingAge South Carolina Board Chair Donald Lilly. “The passage of Senate Bill 819 reflects what can be accomplished through strong collaboration and a shared commitment to supporting older adults and those who care for them. This legislation will strengthen our workforce, reduce barriers to employment, and enhance quality care for seniors and families across South Carolina for years to come.”
LeadingAge South Carolina expressed deep appreciation for the strong partnership and collaboration demonstrated throughout the legislative process and applauded lawmakers and state leaders for prioritizing practical workforce solutions that support both quality care and public health.
About LeadingAge South Carolina
LeadingAge South Carolina is the state association representing nonprofit and mission-driven providers of aging services, including nursing homes, assisted living communities, affordable senior housing, home and community-based services, and other organizations dedicated to serving older adults across South Carolina. For more information, visit www.leadingagesc.org.
Media Contact
Kassie South
CEO, LeadingAge South Carolina
+1 843-518-1131
ksouth@leadingagesc.org
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