S.C. Code Ann. § 11-35-4430

Unless required for the disposition of ex parte matters authorized by law, members or employees of the panel assigned to render a decision or to make findings of fact and conclusions of law in a matter pending before the panel shall not communicate, directly or indirectly, in connection with any issue of fact, with any person or party, nor, in connection with any issue of law, with any party or his representative, except upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. A panel member: (a) may communicate with other members of the panel, and (b) may have the aid and advice of one or more personal assistants. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than two hundred fifty dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months.