Residents’ Rights Month

If you’re a resident of a long-term healthcare facility in South Carolina, you have certain rights. These rights are emphasized during the national Residents’ Rights Month. Governor Henry McMaster has issued a proclamation to stress the importance of maintaining dignity and autonomy for residents of these facilities. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regulates nearly 200 nursing homes and over 450 community residential care facilities, also known as assisted living facilities. The South Carolina Resident’s Bill of Rights outlines residents’ rights to medical treatment, personal possessions, personal treatment, communication, and personal privacy. Facilities are required to educate their staff on residents’ rights annually. Complaints against a nursing home or community residential care facility can be submitted online via the DHEC website.