Phone: 803-470-3939

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Please see the COVID-19 Updates from our partners at Sanofi...

Vaccination remains a key tool for infectious disease control and prevention. Annual COVID-19 circulation in the United States typically peaks twice a year, in the late summer and winter.1 Preliminary analysis for the 2024-2025 COVID-19 season in the United States estimates between 9.8 and 16.1 million cases of COVID-19 illness, between 270,000 and 440,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations, and between 32,000 and 51,000 COVID-19 deaths. While 2024-2025 was considered a high severity influenza season, infants under 1 year old and adults over 75 years old experienced more hospitalizations associated with COVID-19 than influenza.2

Vaccination reduces risk of hospitalization with COVID-19 disease. According to COVID-NET CDC data from 2024, over half of COVID-19 hospitalizations in adults ≥18 years old occurred in patients who had not received a COVID-19 vaccine after August of 2022.3 Vaccination also decreases risk of long COVID-19-.4 Despite this, annual updated vaccine coverage rates for COVID-19 were 44.1% in adults 65+ and 23% in adults 18+ during the 2024-2025 season. About 13% of children aged 6 months to 17 years were up to date on COVID-19 vaccines this season.5

Protection from COVID-19 disease continues to be a public health concern. The ACIP discussed COVID-19 epidemiology, vaccine effectiveness, safety, and vaccine coverage on June 25. 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the 2025-2026 formula for Nuvaxovid™ on August 27th, 2025. The vaccine is indicated for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in:

• Adults aged 65 years and older, and

• Individuals aged 12-64 years with at least one underlying condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19.

• The current list of underlying conditions in individuals ages 12 through 64 years that put them at high-risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html

For Immediate Release
September 24, 2025

SOUTH CAROLINA NURSES ASSOCIATION ENCOURAGES FAMILIES TO SEEK TRUSTED MEDICAL GUIDANCE ON ACETAMINOPHEN (TYLENOL®) AND AUTISM

Columbia, S.C. — The South Carolina Nurses Association (SCNA) encourages patients, families, and licensed healthcare professionals to turn to trusted medical expertise and available research when considering questions about acetaminophen (Tylenol®) use in pregnancy and links to autism.

Public discussions on this topic have raised understandable concerns. SCNA wishes to reassure families that the best source of information remains their healthcare providers, including advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and other licensed professionals — who can guide decisions with compassion and up-to-date medical knowledge.

“As the most trusted profession, nurses are committed to supporting families with evidence-based care,” said SCNA Executive Director T.K. Curtis-Pugh. “We encourage patients to have open conversations with their providers so they can feel confident in the choices they make for their loved ones.”

The SCNA remains dedicated to promoting patient safety, access to quality care, and support for the nursing profession across South Carolina.

For more information, visit www.scnurses.org.

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The South Carolina Nurses Association (SCNA) is the premier organization representing the interests of South Carolina’s over 80,000 registered nurses. The mission of the South Carolina Nurses Association is to represent all South Carolina registered nurses in a membership organization to promote and advocate the role of the registered nurse to improve health for all. For more information visit www.scnurses.org

Celebrating Leadership, Community, and a Transformative Partnership Between NPHub and the South Carolina Nurses Association

By: Joseph de Veyra, DNP, RN, PHN, PCCN, CNL, MBA
Chief Nursing Officer, NPHub

Atlanta, GA — NPHub, the nation’s leading platform for nurse practitioner (NP) clinical placements, is proud to announce a new partnership with the South Carolina Nurses Association (SCNA) to expand clinical training opportunities and professional support for nurse practitioners across the state. At the heart of this effort is the inspiring leadership of Dr. Nakita Barnes, SCNA President-Elect, whose vision and dedication to advancing NP practice continues to set the standard for excellence.

She dedicates herself to Nurse Practitioner advocacy—and our entire ecosystem is stronger because of it.

When we connected with Dr. Barnes, it was clear we were meeting a nurse leader whose voice and actions resonate deeply with the needs of today’s healthcare workforce. Her leadership reflects not only the future of nursing but also the urgency of addressing barriers to practice, supporting NP students, and advancing equity in healthcare.

💡 3 Key Takeaways from Our Conversation with Dr. Barnes

1. Leadership Anchored in Advocacy
Dr. Barnes has long been a champion of NP practice rights and workforce expansion in South Carolina. Her leadership in SCNA is about more than titles—it’s about ensuring nurse practitioners have a strong seat at the table in policy, practice, and education.

2. A Champion for the Next Generation
As President-Elect, she has centered her platform on supporting NP students and early-career clinicians. Her focus is on mentorship, professional growth, and creating opportunities for NPs to thrive in every setting—whether bedside, community, or policy.

3. Community First, Always
Dr. Barnes embodies the belief that nursing leadership is rooted in service. Her commitment to amplifying the voices of nurses, especially those in underserved and underrepresented communities, ensures the pipeline of future NPs is both diverse and resilient.

The Power of Partnership: NPHub x SCNA

This collaboration is designed to remove clinical placement barriers, support professional development, and uplift the NP workforce in South Carolina. Together, NPHub and SCNA will create new opportunities for NP students and practicing NPs to lead with confidence.

“We’re incredibly honored to partner with the South Carolina Nurses Association,” said Joseph de Veyra, CNO of NPHub. “SCNA has been a vital voice for nurses for nearly 120 years. By supporting NP students in securing high-quality clinical experiences and uplifting practicing NPs, we are strengthening the entire nursing ecosystem in South Carolina.”

NPHub will support SCNA members by:

• Streamlining the clinical placement process for NP students
• Connecting students with experienced preceptors who are committed to teaching
• Supporting on-time graduation and workforce readiness
• Providing professional visibility and networking opportunities

Together, NPHub and SCNA are building a model of clinical education and professional advancement that is accessible, equitable, and transformative.

About NPHub

Founded in 2017, NPHub has placed over 8,000 NP students into clinical rotations across the United States. With a robust network of vetted preceptors and a mission to make placements easier, faster, and more reliable, NPHub is the go-to platform for NP programs and students alike. Learn more at nphub.com

About the South Carolina Nurses Association (SCNA)

Founded in 1907, the South Carolina Nurses Association represents and advocates for nurses across the state. SCNA is dedicated to advancing the profession through advocacy, education, and support for nurses at every stage of their careers—including nurse practitioners who are shaping the future of healthcare. Learn more at scnurses.org

• ANA-PAC Board of Trustees (2 members)
• Committee on Bylaws (2 members, 2 alternates)
• Committee on Honorary Awards (3 members)
• Committee on Honorary Awards – Subcommittee (12 members)
• Committee on Nursing Practice Standards (2 members, 1 alternate)
• Minority Fellowship Program, National Advisory Committee (7 members)
• Professional Policy Committee (4 members, 3 alternates)

Interested individuals are encouraged to review profiles outlining responsibilities, time commitments, and desired qualifications before submitting nominations by 11:59 pm ET on Friday, August 29, 2025.

• Submit Nomination Form – Click HERE

Congratulations Prisma Health Baptist on your Magnet Redesignation. The South Carolina Nurses Association applauds your commitment to excellence in nursing practice as well as nursing professional development. 

https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/about-magnet/

Whether you are preparing to return to school, sending a child off to college, looking for ways to pay off your student loans, or simply trying to manage what you already have, these sessions are designed with you in mind.

At SCNA, our mission extends beyond the bedside. We are committed to supporting nurses and their families before, during, and after the nursing journey. That is why we are offering these webinars as a resource not just for professional development, but also for personal financial wellness.

Upcoming Webinar Topics:

Wednesday, May 14 – BOLD™ Nursing Faculty Loan Refinance (Refi)- Prior to Printing

Wednesday, June 18 – BOLD™ Nursing Faculty Loan
(For prospective and currently enrolled graduate/doctoral nursing students)

Wednesday, July 16 – Managing Student Loan Debt

Wednesday, August 13 – Paying for College
(Especially for parents of high school juniors and seniors)

These sessions are free and open to SCNA members and the broader nursing community. Do not miss this opportunity to gain the tools and knowledge to secure your financial future—or help a loved one secure theirs.

Register today: https://www.scnurses.org/page/SCStudentLoanWebinarSeries

Empower your future. Invest wisely. SCNA is here for every step of the journey.

Protecting Healthcare for Americans

Since the new administration took office, we've seen a whirlwind of executive orders and actions reshaping federal operations, policies, and the workforce. We anticipate many of these changes will be significant, impacting many individuals.

As the American Nurses Association, we stand in support of policies which guarantee that all Americans are being taken care of, and we continue to lean into our values to safeguard nursing workforce policies which create opportunities for all Americans, including drawing discouraged workers into the labor force and supporting equitable health care access and outcomes for all.

“The Code of Ethics and the nursing oath are the pledge to practice nursing with integrity, compassion, and respect. It requires nurses to prioritize patients' health and safety and provide care without judgment regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, socio-economic status, or political party. We are concerned that the Executive Orders and administrative actions may have the potential to put Americans’ health at risk and impact the nursing workforce and the quality care for patients today.” says American Nurses Association President Jennifer Mensik-Kennedy, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN.

We’re acting on the issues that matter most to nurses and the people they care for:

·    Making sure nurses have the latest health information to give the best care possible.
·    Addressing the nursing shortage by pushing for more training programs and hiring support.
·    Fighting for policies that keep healthcare safe, affordable, and focused on patients.
·    Advancing fairness in healthcare so that all patients get the care they deserve.
·    Hosting the Equity in Nursing Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together nurses and healthcare leaders to discuss real solutions for a stronger and widely accessible healthcare system.

We’re also pushing for key legislation that would make a real difference:

·    Training More Nurses: The Faculty Shortage Reduction Act would help nursing schools train more students by addressing the shortage of educators. More teachers mean more nurses entering the field to fill critical gaps in care.
·    Expanding Access to Nursing Care: The Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act would remove outdated rules that limit what advanced nurses—like nurse practitioners— can do. That means more people, especially in rural and underserved areas, can get the care they need.
·    Protecting Access to Care: As our largest health insurer, providing care for eighty million Americans, Medicaid is critical to our health care system, particularly in rural and health desert areas across the nation. While ensuring efficiency is important, Congress must use a scalpel rather than an axe when revising Medicaid. Similarly, we promote awareness of the importance of social determinants of health and the impact of nutrition on health supported through critical programs like SNAP and WIC for children, mothers, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities. These are uncertain times, but one thing is certain—we will always stand with nurses, patients, and the future of healthcare. We’ll keep pushing for policies that protect the nursing profession, improve patient care, and ensure that nurses have the resources and support they need.

Together, we will continue to advocate for policies that push for quality, affordable, patient centered healthcare for every American and we will focus on real solutions for a stronger and more equitable healthcare system.

January 1, 2024

Contact: info@scnurses.org

Columbia, SC

SCNA has partnered with HealthCom Media (HCM) to publish The South Carolina Nurse. HCM, an award-winning nursing publisher, has already made significant improvements to our quarterly publication, which will add value and increase member engagement.

SCNA appreciates and thanks you for your past support and asks for your continued support as we premiere our collaboration with HCM. This partnership offers SCNA more benefits and opportunities to grow our membership. Some of the advantages include the following:

• HCM has experience strategically collaborating with associations, such as the American Nurses Association, to develop and execute a wide range of timely, trusted, and award-winning content, education, and revenue-generating programs, which not only engage existing members but also facilitate recruitment.
• HCM provides advanced targeting options that allow us to focus on the right demographic for your audience’s needs.
• HCM offers affordable and transparent pricing to accommodate all advertiser budgets and goals.

Please note that the South Carolina Nurses Association no longer has an affiliation with Health e-Careers.

We hope that you’ll continue to partner with the South Carolina Nurses Association as we transition to a new and improved journal. We’re confident that this redesign will drive increased membership and deliver more value to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time. To inquire about advertising, please contact HealthCom Media at (215) 558-3900 or sales@healthcommedia.com.

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The South Carolina Nurses Association (SCNA) is the premier organization representing the interests of South Carolina’s over 80,000 registered nurses.  The mission of the South Carolina Nurses Association is to represent all South Carolina registered nurses in a membership organization to promote and advocate the role of the registered nurse to improve health for all.  For more information visitwww.scnurses.org

Dear Funeral Home Director/Medical Certifier:

On May 26, 2023, new DHEC regulations passed by the General Assembly established guidelines for penalties to be assessed against funeral homes or medical certifiers who file death certificates more than five days after the date of death went into effect.  In 2022, the law was also amended requiring death certificates to be transmitted and signed electronically whether the certifier issues less than 12 certificates a year or not.  DHEC expects to begin assessing penalties and fines for late records filed after July 31, 2023. 

Any record filed more than five days after the date of death will be assessed to determine whether the funeral home/director or medical certifier is at fault. The at-fault party will then be emailed a notice of the fine amount and will have 15 days to supply evidence justifying the delay. Once presented, the Department will have an additional 15 days to review it and make a decision on whether the fine should be enforced, reduced, or eliminated. 

Penalties paid within 30 days of final assessment are eligible for a discount of 50 percent. No discounts apply to penalties paid after 30 days. 

The penalties established by the law are:  

• 1^st day late: $250 
• 2^nd day late: $500 
• Each day thereafter: $1,000 

Any medical certifiers or funeral homes who have not yet registered online are highly encouraged to do so by emailing VRSIIShelpdesk@dhec.sc.gov. The registrants will then be sent forms to fill out and return electronically. Once received, it takes approximately one week to create a new account. Should a death certificate need to be filed immediately, certifiers may put “URGENT – DEATH CERTIFICATE PENDING” in the subject line and staff will prioritize the request. 

The law governing the filing death certificates (SC Code of Law 44-63-74) used to allow for an exception of electronic filing for those filing 12 certificates or less.  Last year Act No. 157 repealed that exception, and everyone needs to be 100 percent electronic. The only exception is family members or friends filing without compensation on behalf of deceased loved ones. 

Any funeral home, funeral director, or medical certifier who has not joined the electronic system before August 1, 2023, will be assessed a penalty from the date they originally were notified of the death in accordance with SC Code of Law 44-63-74 regardless of the time it takes to get them registered in the system. 

We have been notifying the parties that would have been assessed a penalty under this law for almost a year now.  Please share this with any colleagues that may need to get registered or prepared for implementation of this law.  For questions or concerns, please email webdeath@dhec.sc.gov or call our field consultants at 803-898-3409.  Thank you and have a great day!

Caleb N Cox, CPM

coxcn@dhec.sc.gov

Director of Vital Statistics

SC Department of Health and Environmental Control

The South Carolina Area Health Education Consortium (SC AHEC) will receive an increase of $500,000 in recurring state funds to support the creation of a dedicated nursing workforce research unit within the SC Office for Healthcare Workforce at SC AHEC. Additionally, $10, 000, 000 from lottery funds have been allocated for nursing education to ensure that the state’s nursing programs have faculty.

Both SCNA and CAHC would like to sincerely thank Governor McMaster and the General Assembly for seeing the value in investing in the nursing profession. These monies support the future of nursing and ultimately the individuals and communities of South Carolina.

• Emergency care
• Non-emergency care from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities
• Air ambulance services from out-of-network providers

4 new No Surprises fact sheets:

• Health insurance terms you should know (PDF)
• What’s a good faith estimate? (PDF)
• How do I read my medical bill? (PDF)
• Health care notice & consent form — what to know before you sign (PDF)

MEDICAID BULLETIN

TO: All Providers

SUBJECT: CMS Requirement for Fingerprint-based Criminal Background Checks of High-Risk Medicaid Providers

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) classifies certain types of health care providers as “high risk” and requires them to submit fingerprint-based criminal background checks (FCBC). Beginning July 2022, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) will proactively work with all South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid-enrolled providers who are categorized as high-risk to ensure they are in compliance with federal regulations. SCDHHS will notify currently-enrolled high-risk providers who are required to submit fingerprints in writing with the actions necessary to comply with this federal requirement.

The regulations, 42 CFR § 455.434 and 42 CFR § 455.450, require an FCBC for the “provider, or a person with 5 percent or more direct or indirect ownership interest in the provider.” Persons required to provide fingerprints must do so no later than Aug. 15, 2022. Failure to comply with the fingerprinting requirement will lead to termination from the Medicaid program. Providers can learn more about fingerprinting requirements, high-risk provider types, and disqualifying criteria, by visiting our provider resources page to review a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ). Healthy Connections Medicaid providers who are also enrolled as a high-risk provider with Medicare and comply with Medicare’s FCBC requirements will be deemed in compliance with the Healthy Connections Medicaid requirements.

Effective Aug. 15, 2022, FCBC compliance will become a requirement for providers enrolling in Healthy Connections Medicaid. Newly-enrolling and revalidating high-risk providers will be required to meet the FCBC requirements during the initial enrollment and revalidation processes. Once again, Healthy Connections Medicaid providers who are also enrolled as a high-risk provider with Medicare and comply with Medicare’s FCBC requirements will be deemed in compliance with the Healthy Connections Medicaid requirements.

SCDHHS’s goal is to continue to enhance the integrity of the Healthy Connections Medicaid program while complying with federal requirements. Providers may direct questions regarding this requirement to the Provider Service Center at (888) 289-0709. The Provider Service Center’s hours of operations are 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.

Thank you for your continued support of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

/s/
Robert M. Kerr

MEDIA CONTACT:
Shannon McClendon
shannon.mcclendon@ana.org 

SILVER SPRING, MD - According to the findings of a new, national survey of nurses by the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing (the Commission), nearly half reported that there is widespread racism in nursing, demonstrating a substantial problem within the profession. Comprised of leading nursing organizations, the Commission examines the issue of racism within nursing nationwide and describes the impact on nurses, patients, communities, and health care systems to motivate all nurses to confront systemic racism. Integrity calls on the profession and nurses to reflect on two realities, one as the most trusted profession while also being a product of our environment and culture. It is necessary to work toward connecting these two realities.

“My colleagues and I braced ourselves for these findings. Still, we are disturbed, triggered, and unsettled by the glaring data and heartbroken by the personal accounts of nurses,” said Commission Co-Lead and American Nurses Association (ANA) President Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. “We are even more motivated and committed to doing this important work justice. Racism and those individuals who do not commit to changing their ways but continue to commit racist acts have absolutely no place in the nursing profession.”

According to more than 5,600 survey respondents, racist acts are principally perpetrated by colleagues and those in positions of power. Over half (63%) of nurses surveyed say that they have personally experienced an act of racism in the workplace with the transgressors being either a peer (66%) or a manager or supervisor (60%).

Superiority continues to surface as a primary driver from nurses representing predominantly white groups along with nurses who are advantaged and privileged by unfair structural and systemic practices. These survey findings move beyond the rhetoric to the reality and should serve as a call-to-action for all nurses to confront racism in the profession.

“Structural and systemic practices that allow the racist behaviors of leaders to continue to go unaddressed must be dismantled,” said Commission Co-lead and National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) President and CEO Martha A. Dawson, DNP, RN, FACHE. “As cliché as it sounds, it starts at the top. Leaders must be accountable for their own actions, set an example for their teams and create safe work environments where there is zero-tolerance for racists attitudes, actions, behaviors, and processes. Leaders must also create a climate that gives permission and support to dismantle institutional policies and procedures that underpin practice inequities and inequalities.” 

Of those nurses who report that they have witnessed an act of racism in the workplace, 81% say it was directed towards a peer. Nurses say that they have challenged racist treatment in the workplace (57%), but over half (64%) said that their efforts resulted in no change.

“Nurses are ethically and professionally obligated to be allies and to speak up against racism, discrimination, and injustice for our patients and fellow nurses,” said Commission Co-Lead and National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA) President Debra A. Toney, PhD, RN, FAAN. “Civil rights and social movements throughout history offer the blueprint, which demonstrates that diligent allyship is key to progress. To the nurses that challenge racism in the workplace, do not get dismayed by inaction, but continue to raise your voice and be a change agent for good.”

Many respondents across the Hispanic (69%) and Asian (73%) populations as well as other communities of color (74%) reported that they have personally experienced racism in the workplace. Overwhelmingly, the survey findings indicate that Black nurses are more likely to both personally experience and confront acts of racism. Most Black nurses who responded (72%) say that there is a lot of racism in nursing compared to 29% of white nurse respondents. The majority (92%) of Black respondents have personally experienced racism in the workplace from their leaders (70%), peers (66%) and the patients in their care (68%). Over three-fourths of Black nurses surveyed expressed that racism in the workplace has negatively impacted their professional well-being.

“The acts of exclusion, incivility, disrespect and denial of professional opportunities that our nurses have reported through this survey, especially our Black, Hispanic and Asian nurses, is unacceptable,” said Commission Co-lead and National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) President Adrianna Nava, PhD, MPA, MSN, RN. “Racism is a trauma that leaves a lasting impact on a person’s mental, spiritual, and physical health as well as their overall quality of life. As the largest health care workforce in the country, we must come together to address racism in nursing as the health of our nation depends on the health and well-being of our nurses.”

Since its inception in January of 2021, the Commission has been intentional and bold in leading a national discussion to address racism in nursing. The Commission has convened listening sessions with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) nurses and hosted a virtual summit focused on activism with foremost subject matter experts. Collaborating with top scholars on the issue, the Commission developed a new definition of racism to establish a baseline for holding conversations, reflecting on individual or collective behaviors, and setting a foundation for the work ahead.

“The collective voices and experiences of BIPOC nurses nationally have provided a call for overdue accountability within the nursing profession to acknowledge and address the structural racism rooted within nursing, especially policies that have anti-Black and anti-Indigenous histories,” said Commission Co-lead and Member-at-Large Daniela Vargas, MSN, MPH, MA-Bioethics, RN, PHN. “The next generation of BIPOC nurses deserve more than performative activism and empty words that continue to yield no progress toward structural changes within the nursing profession or racial equity. The breadth of the nursing profession through the Code of Ethics for Nurses holds all nurses accountable for calling out racism and replacing racist policies rooted in white supremacy with ethical and just policies that promote and implement accountability, equity, and justice for nurses and the communities that we serve.”

Nursing’s challenges with the issue of racism are reflective of the larger society. As a profession, we need to confront these same challenges with racial inequities within the profession. As such, the Commission’s work is urgent to create safe and liberating environments for all nurses so that the profession exemplifies inclusivity, diversity, and equity. The Commission urges all nurses across every health care setting and environment to join us in boldly confronting systemic racism. We must address upstream sources of racism in order to build sustained safe and effective environments of optimal care delivery ideal for every nurse and every patient regardless of race, origin or background. Nurses can learn more and share a story of experiencing racism or being an ally for change today.

*Data was collected through a survey administered by the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing Between October 7-31, 2021, 5,623 nurses completed this survey. *

Click Here To Register

Presenter: Trey Causey, MD - Crossroads Treatment Centers Chief Medical Officer

There is a continuing opioid use disorder problem exacerbated by prescribing practices. Learn best practices that will minimize risks to patients and providers.

Learner Outcome: By the end of the learning activity, 80% of participants will indicate an increase in knowledge in prescribing opioid medications. 

SC Nurses Association is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation