Nursing Home Standards for the State of South Carolina

Nursing homes provide 24-hour assistance and medical care to physically or cognitively impaired adults, particularly the elderly. In South Carolina, the Department of Health and Environmental Control is responsible for enforcing the state's nursing home standards.

Defined

• According to the South Carolina standards, a nursing home is a facility that provides services to at least two unrelated individuals 24 hours a day. Licensed nurses and medical professionals must be responsible for administering this care. A South Carolina nursing home can be an independent facility or connected to a hospital.

Types

• Residents in South Carolina nursing homes receive several forms of care. In addition to medical treatment, the standards state that nursing facilities need to provide recreational activities, physician access, dental care, social services and transportation services. Although not required, South Carolina nursing homes are permitted to offer physical, speech and occupational therapy under a medical doctor's orders.

Warning

• Any nursing home facility operating within South Carolina must maintain a valid license from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Licensees that violate the state regulations or requirements could have their license suspended or revoked. They can also face fines ranging from $100 to $10,000 depending on the severity of the violation.