This chapter does not apply to:
(1) a pharmacy holding a permit or a company that owns one or more pharmacies holding a permit issued pursuant to Chapter 43, Title 40, that offers prescription discounts only from pharmacies;
(2) a benefit or program offered by a health insurer, health care service contractor, or health maintenance organization regulated pursuant to Title 38. A health insurer, health care service contractor, or health maintenance organization regulated pursuant to Title 38 that offers a discount medical plan that is not offered in conjunction with a health insurance plan it administers shall provide the department written notice of the name under which such a discount medical plan is offered and the telephone number and mailing address at which the plan can be contacted. The notice required by this subsection shall be provided to the department within thirty days of the initial offering of new medical discount plans in this State, and within ninety days of the effective date of this chapter for existing plans;
(3) an insured benefit administered by, or under contract with, the State of South Carolina; or
(4) a patient access program voluntarily sponsored by a pharmaceutical manufacturer, or a consortium of pharmaceutical manufacturers that provides free or discounted products directly to individuals either through a discount or direct shipment.
HISTORY: 2006 Act No. 377, Section 1, eff January 1, 2007.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 37 - Consumer Protection Code
Chapter 17 - Discount Medical Plan Organizations
Section 37-17-10. Citation of chapter.
Section 37-17-20. Definitions.
Section 37-17-40. Registration and renewal; list of authorized representatives and marketers.
Section 37-17-50. Representative or marketer status.
Section 37-17-52. Information provided to applicant.
Section 37-17-60. Application of chapter.
Section 37-17-70. Administrative appeals.
Section 37-17-80. Hearings before Administrative Law Court; assessment of administrative penalties.
Section 37-17-90. Cease and desist orders.
Section 37-17-100. Request for reinstatement hearing following revocation or denial of renewal.