South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 87 - DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
Here’s a clear and updated summary of Chapter 87 – Department of Mental Health, current through March 28, 2025, per State Register Vol. 49, No. 3 (regulations.justia.com):
🧠 Chapter 87 – Department of Mental Health
§ 87‑1 Designated Examiners
Establishes qualification requirements for professionals who may serve as designated examiners in commitment proceedings for mentally ill or chemically dependent individuals:
Mental health professionals (nurses, counselors, social workers, psychologists) must hold state licensure, advanced degrees, and years of psychiatric experience.
Substance-abuse counselors need specific education and credentials through SCCADA.
Alternative credentials may be accepted if approved by the Department’s Office of Quality Assurance (scstatehouse.gov).
§ 87‑2 Parking Regulations
Sets parking infractions and bond amounts at DMH facilities:
Common violations (improper, double parking, reserved spots, etc.) carry bonds up to $20.
Parking in accessible spaces incurs a $100 bond; missing employee decals is set at $7.
Bonds can be paid directly to facility finance offices (scstatehouse.gov).
§ 87‑3 Forms
Specifies that official DMH forms are mandatory for all applications, reports, petitions, and certificates:
Only official forms from the Department are valid.
Forms are free (limited quantity) but must be requested in writing from the Forms Supply office in Columbia.
Using improper forms may void procedures (law.cornell.edu).
§ 87‑4 Public Records
Outlines public records disclosure procedures under the FOIA:
Public records include policy statements, regulations, and Commission minutes—but exclude confidential patient records.
Requests must be in writing to the DMH Office of Communications.
The first 15 pages provided free; thereafter, $0.20 per page, plus possible hourly search fees for non-routine requests (scstatehouse.gov).
✅ Summary
Chapter 87 focuses on four key areas:
Qualifications for designated examiners in mental health proceedings.
Parking rules and associated bond penalties at state mental health facilities.
Mandatory use of official Department forms, ensuring uniformity and legal validity.
Public records policy, aligning with FOIA requirements while safeguarding confidentiality.
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