South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-93 - Standards for Licensing Facilities for Chemically Dependent or Addicted Persons
Sec2 61-93.700 - PATIENT RECORDS
Section 61-93.700.708 - Record Maintenance

A. The Licensee shall provide accommodations, space, supplies, and equipment for the protection, storage, and maintenance of Patient records. Patient records shall be stored in an organized manner.

B. The Patient record is confidential and shall be made available only to individuals authorized by the Facility and in accordance with local, state, and federal laws, codes, and regulations. (II)

C. The Facility shall maintain records generated by organizations or individuals contracted by the Facility for care or services.

D. Upon Discharge of a Patient, the record shall be completed within thirty (30) calendar days and filed in an inactive or closed file maintained by the Licensee.

E. Records of adult Patients may be destroyed after six (6) years following Discharge of the Patient. Records of Minors shall be retained for six (6) years or until majority, whichever period of time is greater. Other regulation-required documents, e.g., Medication destruction, fire drills, etc., shall be retained for at least twelve (12) months or since the last Department routine Inspection, whichever is the longer period.

F. Records of current Patients are the property of the Facility and shall be maintained at the Facility and shall not be removed without court order.

G. In the event of change of ownership, all active Patient records or copies of active Patient records shall be transferred to the new owner(s).

H. When a Patient transfers from one licensed Facility to another within the provider network (same Licensee) the original record may follow the Patient; the sending Facility shall maintain documentation of the Patient's transfer and/or Discharge dates and identification information.