South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 87 - DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 87 is specifically dedicated to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH). These regulations provide the framework for the operation, administration, and service delivery of the state's public mental health system. The overarching mission of the SCDMH, as reflected in these regulations, is to support the recovery of people with mental illnesses, prioritizing adults with serious and persistent mental illness and children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances.
While Chapter 87 is relatively concise compared to some other state agency regulations, it addresses several critical operational aspects:
Section 87-1: Designated Examiners. This is a very important section that establishes the qualifications for professionals (nurses, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and certain mental health professionals with specific experience) to act as "designated examiners" for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of laws related to the commitment of mentally ill or chemically dependent persons. This is fundamental to the involuntary commitment process, ensuring that qualified individuals assess a person's mental state and potential for harm.
Section 87-2: Parking Regulations. This section outlines the rules and associated bonds (fines) for vehicular parking at Department of Mental Health facilities. This is a practical administrative regulation governing the use of agency property.
Section 87-3: Forms. This section mandates that the form and content of all applications, reports, records, petitions, and certificates related to the care and commitment of mentally ill or chemically dependent persons must be as required by the Department of Mental Health. It also specifies how to inquire about and obtain these official forms. This ensures standardization and proper documentation within the mental health system.
Section 87-4: Public Records. This section establishes the procedures for public access to records maintained by the Department of Mental Health, generally adhering to the Freedom of Information Act. It outlines how to request records, potential fees for copies, and where records can be inspected. This promotes transparency in the department's operations.
Overall Purpose and Key Responsibilities of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH):
The SCDMH is a large and complex healthcare organization that serves as the public mental health system for South Carolina. Its responsibilities, extending beyond just what's in Chapter 87, include:
Providing Direct Clinical Services: Operating a statewide network of community mental health centers (with clinics in all 46 counties), offering a full array of outpatient services, including individual, group, and family counseling, psychiatric services, and case management.
Operating State Hospitals: Managing psychiatric hospitals for inpatient care, including specialized units for forensics (court-committed individuals), civil adult services, and child and adolescent services.
Specialized Programs: Running programs for specific populations, such as veterans' nursing homes, a Sexually Violent Predator Treatment Program, and an Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Center.
Crisis Services: Providing crisis intervention, including telepsychiatry consultations to emergency departments across the state to assist with mental health assessments.
Recovery-Oriented Care: Emphasizing a philosophy of recovery, focusing on the strengths of individuals, and promoting independence.
Community-Based Care: Prioritizing services that allow individuals to remain in or near their homes and communities, supported by a flexible array of coordinated services.
Advocacy and Stigma Reduction: Actively working to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and promoting mental health education.
Quality and Compliance: Ensuring high-quality, culturally competent, and evidence-based services, and maintaining compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
Patient Rights: Protecting the rights of individuals receiving mental health services.
In summary, South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 87, while administrative in nature, underpins the critical functions of the SCDMH, particularly in ensuring qualified assessments for commitments, efficient operations, and transparent processes, all in support of its broader mission to provide comprehensive mental health care to the citizens of South Carolina.
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