South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-4 - Controlled Substances
Part 1200 - Controlled Substances Listed in Schedules III, IV and V
Section 61-4.1200.1204 - Practitioner-Patient Relationship Required

Prior to the issuance of a prescription for controlled substances listed in Schedule III, IV, or V the prescribing practitioner shall have a valid practitioner-patient relationship established with the recipient of the prescription, such relationship to include, but not be limited to, a sufficient knowledge of the medical need of the patient for such schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance, determination of the benefit to risk ratio of the use of such substance, good faith determination of the identity and address of the patient, a determination of the physical condition of the patient, and such practitioner shall be in personal attendance of the patient at the time of issuance of the prescription. Any prescription issued by any practitioner for any person outside of the reasonable bounds of a practitioner-patient relationship shall be deemed issued other than in the course of professional practice required by the Act. A practitioner cannot usually acquire a valid patient-practitioner relationship with himself or herself, now with a member of his or her immediate family, due to the likelihood of the loss or vitiation of the objectivity required in making the necessary medical decisions in order to properly prescribe or dispense controlled substances. The practitioner may not be able to acquire a sufficient practitioner-patient relationship with non-family members (i.e., fiancé or fiancée, close personal friend, paramour, etc.) if total objectivity in deciding to prescribe or dispense controlled substances cannot be maintained due to such factors as extreme compassion, ardor, extortion, etc. which would vitiate such objectivity. In the event of a bona fide emergency situation, where great detriment to the health or safety of a patient may be involved, a practitioner may administer, dispense or prescribe limited amounts of controlled substances to any person, notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, until such time as another objective practitioner can be contacted.