A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-7-130, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR THE STATE HEALTH FACILITY LICENSING ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEFINITION OF HOSPITAL DOES NOT INCLUDE A RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY FOR CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, OR YOUNG ADULTS IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT THAT IS PHYSICALLY PART OF A LICENSED PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL.

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Section 44-7-130(17) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (17) "Hospital" means a facility that is organized and administered to provide overnight medical or surgical care or nursing care for an illness, injury, or infirmity and must provide on-campus emergency services;  that may provide obstetrical care;  and in which all diagnoses, treatment, or care is administered by or under the direction of persons currently licensed to practice medicine, surgery, or osteopathy.

    "Hospital" may does not include a residential treatment facility for children, adolescents, or young adults in need of mental health treatment that is physically a part of a licensed psychiatric hospital.  This definitionThe definition of "hospital" also does not include facilities that are licensed by the Department of Social Services.  A residential treatment facility for children, adolescents, or young adults in need of mental health treatment that is physically part of a licensed psychiatric hospital is not required to provide on-campus emergency services.

 

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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