Workers’ comp rates might not drop

As the House took up legislation Wednesday to overhaul South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws, supporters of the bill acknowledged that rates might not decline.

However, they said the proposed changes will stabilize the system that pays medical bills and wages for people hurt on the job.

The legislation will create “a more efficient system,” said House Labor, Commerce and Industry chairman Harry Cato, R-Greenville. “It’s not a miracle cure.”

Much of Wednesday’s debate involved two issues central to the overhaul effort: limits on payments for injuries that occur over a long period of time and using American Medical Association physical impairment guidelines as a factor in determining disability awards. Both were approved on close votes.

• First Citizens gives $250,000 to USC

First Citizens Bank has given $250,000 to USC’s Moore School of Business for classroom renovation.

The gift will be matched by Darla Moore, the financier from Lake City and university benefactor.

The money is earmarked for renovating a 130-student classroom in the Close and Hipp buildings on campus. The room will be named after the Columbia-based bank.

• Coca-Cola donation to fund USC grants

The Coca-Cola Foundation has given $250,000 to USC’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management to fund about 30 scholarships.

The gift will support students interested in pursuing careers in event management.

• Three businesses win workplace awards

Three businesses were recognized Wednesday with Palmetto Workforce Partnership Awards. They were:

• G&G Metal Fabrication of Sumter, small-business category (1-50 employees)

• Pella Corp. of Columbia, medium category (51-500 employees)

• McLeod Health of Florence, large category (501 employees and more).

The awards, presented by the S.C. Employment Security Commission, recognize companies that provide a high-quality work environment, contribute to the community’s quality of life, and support employee growth and development.

• Doctors Care chooses card-swipe system

Doctors Care has signed an agreement to use Companion Technologies’ Companion Direct Point of Care card swipe system at its 50 medical centers in South Carolina.

Doctors Care provides urgent care, primary care, family medicine and preventive medicine to more than 500,000 patients in the state each year. Clinics are in Columbia, Sumter, Lugoff, the coast and Upstate.

Companion Technologies, a subsidiary of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, did not disclose the value of the contract.

• In other news

• BSA Sales will expand its Greenville call center, adding 75 new employees over the next two to three years.