The Department of Mental Health, in conjunction with its local mental health centers acting as the preadmission facilities, must develop and maintain a preadmission screening and evaluation service for all psychiatric emergencies at the local community level utilizing available local resources for mentally ill persons. The preadmission screening services must act as the public mental health system's entry point in order (1) to provide to the examining physician information about accessible crisis intervention, evaluation, and referral services in the community; (2) to offer to mentally ill persons clinically appropriate alternatives to inpatient care, if any; and when necessary (3) to provide a means for involuntary commitment.
HISTORY: 1988 Act No. 397, Section 1.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 17 - Care And Commitment Of Mentally Ill Persons
Section 44-17-310. Voluntary admission.
Section 44-17-320. Discharge of voluntary patient by superintendent.
Section 44-17-330. Discharge at request of patient or another person.
Section 44-17-340. Written notice of right to release.
Section 44-17-415. Physical examination report to accompany certification for emergency admission.
Section 44-17-420. Notice of hearing.
Section 44-17-450. Preadmission screening and evaluation in psychiatric emergencies.
Section 44-17-460. Examinations prior to emergency admissions to psychiatric facilities.
Section 44-17-510. Petition for judicial commitment; certificate of designated examiner.
Section 44-17-520. Notice of petition and right to counsel.
Section 44-17-530. Appointment of counsel; examination and record.
Section 44-17-540. Hearing to be held if examiners find mental illness.
Section 44-17-550. Notice of hearing and rights.
Section 44-17-560. Removal of proceedings to another county.
Section 44-17-570. Conduct of hearing.
Section 44-17-580. Hospitalization of person if court finds mental illness and other conditions.
Section 44-17-600. No admission based on order more than thirty days after it has been rendered.
Section 44-17-610. Commitment to private, county, Veterans' Administration, or other hospital.
Section 44-17-630. Right to reexamination; notice.
Section 44-17-640. Admission to agency of the United States; jurisdiction retained.
Section 44-17-810. Release or discharge upon own recognizance.
Section 44-17-860. Unlawful taking of person from mental health facility without permission.
Section 44-17-890. Discharge or leave of absence during judicial proceeding.
Section 44-17-900. Officials not liable for release or discharge of patient.