(A) Before or when admitted to a facility, a patient or his guardian or parent must be provided with an explanation, in terms and language appropriate to the person’s ability to understand, of the rights of the patient while under the care of the facility.

(B) Within six hours of admission a patient must be examined by a physician or authorized health care provider. Within fourteen days of admission, a patient or his parent or guardian must be provided with a written individualized plan of treatment formulated by a multidisciplinary team and the patient’s attending physician. Each patient or his parent or guardian shall participate in an appropriate manner in the planning of services. An interim treatment program based on the preadmission evaluation of the patient must be implemented promptly upon admission. An individualized treatment plan must contain:

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 44-22-60

  • Authorized health care provider: means advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants licensed in South Carolina and authorized to provide specific treatments, care, or services pursuant to their respective practice acts in Title 40. See South Carolina Code 44-22-10
  • Facility: means a residential program operated by the department. See South Carolina Code 44-22-10
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Patient: means an individual undergoing treatment in the department; however, the term does not include a person committed to the department pursuant to Chapter 48 of Title 44. See South Carolina Code 44-22-10
  • Treatment: means the attempted correction or facilitation of a mental illness or alcohol and drug abuse. See South Carolina Code 44-22-10

(1) a statement of the nature and degree of the patient’s mental illness or chemical dependency and his needs;

(2) if a physical examination has been conducted, the patient’s physical condition;

(3) a description of intermediate and long-range treatment goals and, if possible, future available services;

(4) criteria for release to a less restrictive environment, including criteria for discharge and a description of services that may be needed after discharge;

(5) a statement as to whether or not the patient may be permitted outdoors on a daily basis and, if not, the reasons why. Treatment plans must be updated upon periodic review as provided in § 44-22-70.