S.C. Code Ann. § 16-3-1360: Debt collection activities prohibited until award is made or denied; suspension of statute of limitations; definition.

(A) When a person files a claim pursuant to this article, a health care provider that has received written notice of a pending claim is prohibited from all debt collection activities relating to medical and psychological treatment received by the person in connection with the claim until an award is made on the claim or the claim is determined to be noncompensable and is denied, or ninety days have passed after the health care provider first received notice of a pending claim. The statute of limitations for collection of the debt is suspended during the period in which the applicable health care provider is required to refrain from debt collection activities.

(B) For purposes of this section, "debt collection activities" means repeatedly calling or writing to the claimant and threatening to turn the matter over to a debt collection agency or to an attorney for collection, enforcement, or filing of other process. The term does not include routine billing or inquiries about the status of the claim.