South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-122 - Standards for Licensing In-Home Care Providers
Sec2 100 - PURPOSE AND SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE
Section 103 - Requirements for Licensure

Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 103

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024

A. License. No person, private or public organization, political subdivision, or governmental agency shall establish, operate, maintain, or represent itself (advertise and/or market) as an in-home care provider in South Carolina without first obtaining a license from the Department. When it has been determined by the Department that services are being provided and the owner has not been issued a license from the Department to provide such care services, the owner shall cease operation immediately and ensure the safety, health, and well-being of its clients. Current and/or previous violations of the S.C. Code and/or Department regulations may jeopardize the issuance of a license for the provider or the licensing of any other provider or addition to an existing provider which is owned and/or operated by the licensee.

B. Issuance and Terms of License.

1. The license issued by the Department shall be posted in a conspicuous place in a public area of the provider's business office or readily available to the public.

2. The issuance of a license does not guarantee adequacy or quality of individual services, personal safety, fire safety, or the well-being of any client of the provider.

3. A license is not assignable or transferable and is subject to suspension or revocation at any time by the Department for the licensee's failure to comply with the laws and regulations of this State.

4. A license shall be effective for a specified provider at a specific location. A license shall be valid for a period of time specified by the Department.

5. The issuance of a license under this chapter does not guarantee provision of care by the licensee that meets or exceeds applicable standards of care. The Department is not liable to any party for acts or omissions of a licensee involving or relating to provision of care.

C. Provider Name. No proposed provider shall be named, nor shall any existing provider have its name changed to, the same or similar name as any other provider licensed in South Carolina. The Department shall determine if names are similar. If a provider is part of a franchise with multiple locations, the provider must include the geographic area in which it is located as part of its name.

D. Application. Applicants for a license shall submit to the Department a complete and accurate application on a form or by electronic means, as prescribed by the Department prior to initial licensing and periodically thereafter at intervals determined by the Department. The application includes both the applicant's oath assuring that the contents of the application are accurate and true and the applicant will comply with this regulation. The application shall be signed by the owner(s) if an individual or partnership; in the case of a corporation, by two of its officers. The application shall set forth the full name and address of the provider for which the license is sought, the owner in the event the owner's name and address is different from that of the provider, and the names of the persons in control of the provider. The Department may require additional information, including affirmative evidence of the applicant's ability to comply with these regulations. When submitting an application for an initial or renewal license, the provider shall include evidence of:

1. Either liability insurance coverage or, in lieu of liability insurance coverage, a surety bond. The provider shall maintain such coverage for the duration of the license period. The minimum amount of coverage is one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per occurrence and three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) aggregate;

2. Indemnity coverage to compensate clients for injuries and losses resulting from services provided; and

3. Workers compensation insurance in accordance with S.C. Code Section 42-5-10 et seq.;

4. Criminal record checks and drug test results for the prospective licensee; and

5. A random drug testing program pursuant to S.C. Code 44-70-70.

E. Licensing Fees. The initial license fee shall be one thousand dollars ($1,000). The fee for annual license renewal shall be eight hundred dollars ($800). Such fees shall be made payable by check or credit card to the Department and is not refundable. If the application is denied, a portion of the fee may be refunded based upon the remaining months of the licensure year.

F. Late Fee. The Department may order an entity to cease operations upon license expiration. Failure to submit a renewal application or fee within thirty (30) days of the expiration of a license may result in a late fee of twenty-five (25) percent of the licensing fee amount, in addition to the licensing fee. Continual failure to submit completed and accurate renewal applications and/or fees by the time period specified by the Department may result in an enforcement action, including revocation.

G. License Renewal. For a license to be renewed, applicants shall file an application with the Department, pay a license fee of eight hundred dollars ($800), and must not be undergoing enforcement actions by the Department. If the license renewal is delayed due to enforcement actions, the renewal license shall be issued only when the matter has been resolved satisfactorily by the Department or when the adjudicatory process is completed, whichever is applicable.

1. Prior to reinstatement of a suspended license, the licensee shall submit a reinstatement fee of four hundred dollars ($400).

2. Prior to reinstatement of a revoked license, the licensee must apply for a license as provided for in Section 103 of this regulation along with the initial licensing fee. Any time remaining from the revoked license is forfeited.

H. Change of License.

1. A provider shall request issuance of an amended license by application to the Department prior to any of the following circumstances:
a. Change of ownership; and/or

b. Change of provider location from one geographic site to another.

2. Changes in provider name or address (as notified by the post office) shall be accomplished by application or by letter from the licensee to the Department.

3. An amendment fee of fifty dollars ($50) is required for each amendment.

I. Exceptions to Licensing Standards. The Department has the authority to make exceptions to these standards where it is determined that the health, safety, and well-being of the clients are not compromised, and provided the standard is not specifically required by statute.

J. The in-home care provider shall ensure that it is accessible in person, by phone, or page during the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, except for those holidays recognized by the State of South Carolina. Those staff members shall have access to all records required for routine inspections and complaint investigations.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. South Carolina may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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