SC Cuts Hiring Time for Nursing Homes, Keeps Safety Strong

Nursing homes in South Carolina can now hire qualified caregivers up to two weeks faster, thanks to a new law that removes outdated barriers while keeping residents safe.

Governor Henry McMaster signed Senate Bill 819 into law on May 22, 2026, after it passed with bipartisan support. The legislation updates tuberculosis screening requirements that had been slowing down the hiring process across the state's long-term care facilities.

Under the old rules, even qualified applicants with recent negative TB tests had to wait 10 to 14 days before starting work. In today's competitive job market, where healthcare facilities compete with every other employer for workers, those delays meant losing good candidates to faster hiring processes elsewhere.

The new law allows applicants with documented negative TB screenings to begin work sooner while still requiring follow-up testing, symptom monitoring, and adherence to CDC guidelines. Facilities must still conduct annual risk assessments and maintain comprehensive safety protocols.

LeadingAge South Carolina, which drafted the legislation, worked closely with lawmakers, healthcare leaders, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health to strike the right balance. "This bill helps providers hire qualified workers faster and maintains strong protections for residents," said Kassie South, CEO of LeadingAge South Carolina.

The change comes at a critical time. South Carolina's long-term care facilities face severe shortages of nurses, caregivers, and support staff. These workforce pressures have intensified in recent years as regulatory requirements increased and healthcare staffing challenges mounted statewide.

The legislation reflects South Carolina's status as a low-risk tuberculosis state and aligns state policy with modern CDC guidance. "This legislation shows what's possible when providers, policymakers, and public health leaders work together to solve workforce challenges facing our state," South said.

The Ripple Effect

Faster hiring means more than just filled positions. When nursing homes can quickly bring on qualified staff, current workers face less burnout from covering extra shifts. Residents receive more consistent care from adequately staffed facilities. And caregivers who want to work don't lose opportunities while waiting through unnecessary administrative delays.

The law also sets a model for how states can modernize regulations without compromising safety. By basing requirements on current CDC guidelines and local health data rather than outdated protocols, South Carolina created a system that protects public health while recognizing workforce realities.

Donald Lilly, Board Chair of LeadingAge South Carolina, called the bill's passage "a major milestone for South Carolina and the future of senior living in our state." The organization emphasized that practical workforce solutions can support both quality care and public health when stakeholders collaborate effectively.

Thousands of seniors across South Carolina will benefit from better-staffed facilities, and qualified caregivers can start making a difference in people's lives without arbitrary waiting periods holding them back.