South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-13 - Standards for Licensing Habilitation Centers for Persons with Intellectual Disability or Persons with Related Conditions
Sec2 61-13.800 - CLIENT RECORDS
Section 61-13.800.804 - Record Storage

A. Records of clients are the property of the facility and shall not be removed without court order. Access to the medical record shall be granted to the legal guardian or any individual legally authorized in writing to act on behalf of the client.

B. On discharge, transfer, or death of a client, the medical records shall be completed within fifteen (15) days and filed in an inactive file in an orderly manner. Records shall be retained in a safe storage area or electronically and none shall be disposed of less than six (6) years after discharge, transfer, or death of a client.

C. Facilities that microfilm before six (6) years have expired shall film the entire record.

D. In the event of change of ownership, all client records shall be transferred to the new owner(s). (II)

E. Prior to the closing of a facility for any reason, the facility shall arrange for preservation of records to ensure compliance with these regulations. The facility shall notify the Department, in writing, describing these arrangements.