(A) The purpose of the Vulnerable Adult Fatalities Review Committee is to decrease the incidence of preventable vulnerable adult deaths by:
(1) developing an understanding of the causes and incidences of vulnerable adult deaths;
(2) developing plans for and implementing changes within the agencies represented on the committee which will prevent vulnerable adult deaths; and
(3) advising the Governor and the General Assembly on statutory, policy, and practice changes that will prevent vulnerable adult deaths.
(B) To achieve its purpose, the committee shall:
(1) meet with the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division no later than one month after the unit receives notification by the county coroner or medical examiner pursuant to Section 17-5-555 or Section 43-35-35 to review the investigation of the death;
(2) undertake annual statistical studies of the incidence and causes of vulnerable adult fatalities in this State. The studies shall include an analysis of community and public and private agency involvement with the decedents and their families before and subsequent to the deaths;
(3) consider training, including cross-agency training, consultation, technical assistance needs, and service gaps;
(4) educate the public regarding the incidences and causes of vulnerable adult deaths, the public role in preventing these deaths, and specific steps the public can undertake to prevent vulnerable adult deaths. The committee shall enlist the support of civic, philanthropic, and public service organizations in performing the committee's educational duties;
(5) develop and implement policies and procedures for its own governance and operation;
(6) submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual written report and any other reports prepared by the committee including, but not limited to, the committee's findings and recommendations for changes to any statute, regulation, policy, or procedure that the committee determines is needed to decrease the incidence of preventable vulnerable adult deaths. Annual reports must be made available to the public.
HISTORY: 2006 Act No. 301, Section 9, eff May 23, 2006.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Section 43-35-10. Definitions.
Section 43-35-20. Additional powers of investigative entities.
Section 43-35-30. Photographing of visible trauma on abused adult.
Section 43-35-35. Reporting deaths where abuse or neglect suspected.
Section 43-35-50. Abrogation of privilege for certain communications.
Section 43-35-60. Sharing of report information by investigative entities; public confidentiality.
Section 43-35-65. Notices to be displayed at facilities.
Section 43-35-70. Reports to occupational licensing boards.
Section 43-35-75. Immunity of person making report or participating in investigation in good faith.
Section 43-35-90. Article not to affect authority of agencies.
Section 43-35-200. Vulnerable Adult Guardian ad Litem Program.
Section 43-35-210. Definitions.
Section 43-35-220. Duties and responsibilities of guardian ad litem; assessments.
Section 43-35-230. Appointment of guardian ad litem; continuing legal education.
Section 43-35-250. Charge of guardian ad litem; petition for removal.
Section 43-35-260. Access to information.
Section 43-35-270. Confidentiality of reports and information.
Section 43-35-280. Civil liability.
Section 43-35-310. Council created; membership; filling vacancies.
Section 43-35-320. Responsibilities of council.
Section 43-35-330. Duties of council.
Section 43-35-340. Officers; terms of office; quorum.
Section 43-35-500. Definitions.
Section 43-35-510. Policy of State regarding health and safety of vulnerable adults.
Section 43-35-530. Conduct of investigations.
Section 43-35-540. Access to medical information.
Section 43-35-550. Subpoena of medical information.
Section 43-35-570. Purpose of Vulnerable Adult Fatalities Review Committee.