(A) The department shall develop a system for documenting and addressing grievances concerning patient rights. Grievances concerning patient rights must be reviewed by the department and a determination made concerning whether or not corrective action is warranted. A copy of the written grievance must be forwarded to the Client Advocacy Program and Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities.
(B) The department shall develop procedures with time lines to process the grievances in a timely manner. The procedures must be made known to patients.
(C) A person who wilfully causes, or conspires with or assists another to cause, the denial to a patient of rights accorded to the patient under this chapter, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. A person acting in good faith, either upon actual knowledge or information thought to be reliable, is immune from criminal liability under the provisions of this subsection.
HISTORY: 1991 Act No. 127, Section 1; 2008 Act No. 266, Section 6, eff June 4, 2008.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 22 - Rights Of Mental Health Patients
Section 44-22-10. Definitions.
Section 44-22-20. Right to writ of habeas corpus.
Section 44-22-50. Treatment suited to needs; least restrictive care and treatment.
Section 44-22-80. Patients' rights.
Section 44-22-90. Communications with mental health professionals privileged; exceptions.
Section 44-22-100. Confidentiality of records; exceptions; violations and penalties.
Section 44-22-110. Access to medical records; appeal of denial of access.
Section 44-22-150. Restraint; seclusion; physical coercion.
Section 44-22-170. Education of school-aged residents.
Section 44-22-180. Exercise and exercise facilities; right to go outdoors.
Section 44-22-190. Finding employment for mentally disabled citizens.
Section 44-22-210. Temporary leaves of absence.
Section 44-22-220. Grievances concerning patient rights; penalties for denial of patient rights.