S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-150 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-150
SECTION 43-5-150. Appeal to State department; proceedings; further appeals.
Status: in_force

In the event an application is denied or the amount or terms of a grant or of any withdrawal or modification thereof be deemed inadequate or unjust by the applicant or recipient, the applicant or recipient or anyone acting in his behalf may demand a review of his case before the department by filing his written request for such review with the county department not more than sixty days after notice of its action shall have been received. The county department shall, within ten days, certify its records and data on the case and such additional information as it deems relevant to the department. The department shall promptly grant to the applicant or recipient an opportunity for a fair hearing upon the questions raised by the applicant or recipient. At this hearing any party in interest may appear and present any relevant facts. The department shall produce such further evidence as it may deem necessary and shall certify its findings and decision on the case back to the county department concerned. Appeals from the decision of the department may be made to an administrative hearing examiner pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1135 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1135
SECTION 43-5-1135. State agency goals to recruit and employ welfare recipients.
Status: in_force

Each agency which is a member of the South Carolina Retirement System shall establish recruitment and hiring goals which shall target ten percent of all jobs requiring a high school diploma or less to be filled with family independence or food stamp recipients. A question concerning receipt of family independence benefits or food stamps may be added to the state employment application for purposes of targeting these applicants. Each agency annually shall report to the South Carolina Department of Social Services the number of family independence and food stamp recipients employed in comparison to the established goal.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-15 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-15
SECTION 43-5-15. Applications for assistance; manner and form.
Status: in_force

Applications for assistance under the provisions of this chapter shall be made as provided in this chapter and when no such provision has been made in accordance with the manner and form prescribed by the department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1180 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1180
SECTION 43-5-1180. Participation in work support required when child is one year old.
Status: in_force

AFDC recipients must be encouraged to voluntarily participate in a work program when their youngest child reaches the age of six months, but in all cases the recipients must participate in a work program once their youngest child reaches age one.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-33-370 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / Article 5 / Section 43-33-370
SECTION 43-33-370. Authority of system upon receipt of written request to investigate complaint.
Status: in_force

Upon (A) the receipt of a written request to investigate a complaint that has been signed by a person with a developmental or other disability, his parent, legal guardian, any relative or a state agency; or upon (B) the receipt of a complaint of abuse or threatened abuse to a person with a developmental or other disability who is not capable of giving informed consent for the system to investigate the complaint and who does not have a parent or legal guardian to sign a written request to investigate the complaint, the system may: (1) Interview any member of the staff of the program or facility which is providing or did provide treatment, services or habilitation to the person making the complaint or on whose behalf the complaint is made. (2) Inspect and copy any documents, records, files, books, charts or other writings which are maintained in the regular course of business by the program or facility and which bear upon the subject matter of the individual complaint, except for the individual medical, treatment or other personal records of other persons in the program or facility. (3) Request the assistance of any rights protection or advocacy services provided by the program or facility. (4) Refer a complaint to the ombudsman, law enforcement agencies or any other public or private programs or facilities, as it deems appropriate. Editor's Note 2017 Act No. 52, SECTIONS 10 to 12, provide as follows: "SECTION 10. The Governor shall take all actions necessary pursuant to 29 U.S.C. Section 732 to designate Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc., formerly known as the South Carolina Protection and Advocacy System for the Handicapped, Inc., as the South Carolina administrator of the Client Assistance Program. "SECTION 11. Authorized appropriations and the assets and liabilities of the Client Assistance Program are transferred to and become part of Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc., formerly known as the South Carolina Protection and Advocacy System for the Handicapped, Inc. "SECTION 12. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc., formerly known as the South Carolina Protection and Advocacy System for the Handicapped, Inc., shall administer the Client Assistance Program upon the completion of all necessary filings with the federal government." Effect of Amendment 2017 Act No. 52, SECTION 5, in the first paragraph, substituted "person with a developmental or other disability" for "developmentally disabled or handicapped person" twice, and substituted "system" for "System" twice.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-120 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-120
SECTION 43-5-120. Request for income tax return; use of information contained in return; notice to recipient; referral to authorities of violations of law.
Status: in_force

(a) The Department of Revenue shall provide the director or his designees an abstract of the income tax return requested, or provide information concerning any item of income or expense, including support claimed to have been provided to dependent children or stepchildren, contained in the income tax return or disclosed by any investigation of the income or return of the applicant or recipient. (b) The information obtained pursuant to this section shall be used or disclosed only for the purpose of enabling the department to verify or determine the eligibility of an applicant or recipient or to enable the Department of Revenue to determine whether tax fraud has been committed. (c) The applicant or recipient whose income tax records have been requested from the Department of Revenue shall be notified by mail that such request has been made at the time of the request. (d) Any violation or suspected violation of state or federal law determined under this section shall be referred to the appropriate state or federal law enforcement authorities. (e) The director or his designees shall be subject to the provisions of Section 12-7-1680 of the 1976 Code regarding the confidentiality of state income tax records.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1150 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1150
SECTION 43-5-1150. Job Training and Partnership Act incentive funds.
Status: in_force

To expand available job training activities for AFDC recipients, the Governor may target future incentive funds under Title II-A of the Job Training and Partnership Act in such a way as to encourage the service delivery areas and local private industry councils to increase service levels and improve performance outcomes related to services to AFDC recipients.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-31-60 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-31-60
SECTION 43-31-60. Duties and powers of Agency generally.
Status: in_force

The agency shall provide the vocational rehabilitation services authorized by this chapter to every physically handicapped individual determined by the commissioner to be eligible therefor, as defined by SECTION 43-31-30, item (10), and in carrying out the purposes of this chapter, the agency is authorized, among other things: (1) To cooperate with other departments, agencies and institutions, both public and private, in providing the services authorized by this chapter to disabled individuals, in studying the problems involved therein, and in establishing, developing and providing in conformity with the purposes of this chapter, such programs, facilities and services as may be necessary or desirable; (2) To enter into reciprocal agreements with other states to provide for the services authorized by this chapter to residents of the states concerned; (3) To conduct research and compile statistics relating to the provision of services to or the need of services by disabled individuals; (4) To enter into contractual arrangements with the Federal Government and with other authorized public agencies or persons for performance of services related to vocational rehabilitation; (5) To contract with schools, hospitals, and other agencies, and with doctors, optometrists, nurses, technicians and other persons, for training, physical restoration, transportation, and other vocational rehabilitation services; (6) To take such action as may be necessary to enable the agency to apply for, accept and receive for the State and its residents the full benefits available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of Congress and any amendments thereto, and under any other Federal legislation or program having as its purpose the providing of, improvement or extension of, vocational rehabilitation services. The agency shall not assume responsibility for permanent custodial care of any individual and shall provide rehabilitation services only for a period long enough to accomplish the rehabilitation objective or to determine that rehabilitation is not feasible through the services which can be made available to the individual being served.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-3-80 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 43-3-80
SECTION 43-3-80. County budgets; records of activities and funds.
Status: in_force

Each county director shall prepare and submit to the state director, as required by the latter, an estimated budget for carrying out the duties and functions delegated to the county director, and shall maintain an accurate record of the county department's activities and all funds received and expended by it.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-620 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 43-5-620
SECTION 43-5-620. Establishment of uniform system of information clearance and retrieval; information to be furnished by bureaus of employment security and motor vehicles; confidential or privileged information.
Status: in_force

(a) The director or his designees, in writing, shall have access to all records and the departments, in cooperation with all other departments of the executive branch, shall establish a single uniform system of information clearance and retrieval, wherever possible. (b) The bureau of employment security shall provide the department with a statement of earnings clearance upon the request of the department. (c) Upon request of the department, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall provide information as to all vehicles owned by the applicant or recipient. (d) With the exception of the access provided by subsections (b) and (c), the provisions of subsection (a) may not be construed to give the department access to information which would otherwise be considered privileged or confidential pursuant to state or federal law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-230 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-230
SECTION 43-5-230. Public Welfare Cooperative Support Program Fund.
Status: in_force

There is hereby created in the office of the State Treasurer a revolving fund to be designated as the Public Welfare Cooperative Support Program Fund which shall be used by the department in carrying out such purposes as it deems necessary. All monies in the funds are hereby appropriated to the department for such purposes and shall be paid without further appropriation under requisition or voucher drawn on the State Treasurer in the usual manner.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-190 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-190
SECTION 43-5-190. Payments to be exempt from taxes, levy or other process; payments to be inalienable and unassignable; bankruptcy.
Status: in_force

All amounts paid or payable as assistance shall be exempt from any tax levied by the State or any subdivision thereof, shall be exempt from levy and sale, attachment or any other process whatsoever, and shall be inalienable and unassignable in advance in any form and, in case of bankruptcy, shall not pass to the trustee or other person acting on behalf of the creditors of the recipient of assistance.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-125 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-125
SECTION 43-5-125. "Living with" defined; verification of child's residence.
Status: in_force

The term "living with" means that the caretaker relative and the child maintain a common place of residence. The requirement shall be considered met if a home and family setting is maintained or is being established and the caretaker relative exercises responsibility for the care and control of the child even though the child or caretaker is temporarily absent from time to time. A child is considered to be "living with" the caretaker relative even though he is under the jurisdiction of the court or is in the legal custody of an agency that does not have physical possession of the child. Temporary absences by either the caretaker relative or the child from the home for purposes such as vacationing, visiting, hospitalization, convalescing, and school attendance shall not constitute a break in the "living with" requirement. The temporary absence may not exceed thirty days; however, the department may extend the absence, in extenuating circumstances, for up to an additional sixty days if it is determined that a longer absence would serve the best interests of the family.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-25-80 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 25 / Section 43-25-80
SECTION 43-25-80. Fund for treatment and training of visually handicapped.
Status: in_force

Any sums appropriated by the General Assembly for treatment and training of the visually handicapped shall be kept by the State Treasurer in a fund for the treatment and training of the visually handicapped and shall be used to carry out the particular purpose assigned to it.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-41-60 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 41 / Section 43-41-60
SECTION 43-41-60. Terms of office.
Status: in_force

The terms of office of members of the commission shall be for two years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. No member of the commission selected under item (2) and item (3) of SECTION 43-41-30(a) shall serve for more than five consecutive years nor more than a total of ten years.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-710 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-710
SECTION 43-1-710. Names of persons benefitting from assistance payments available to other state agencies.
Status: in_force

The names of persons benefiting from assistance payments under the Department of Social Services programs must be available to other state agencies if not in conflict with federal regulations.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-31-145 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-31-145
SECTION 43-31-145. Consideration to be given similar benefits available to handicapped in meeting cost of rehabilitation; insurance carriers not to deny benefits.
Status: in_force

As required by the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Acts, and any amendments thereto, including rules and regulation issued pursuant to such acts, the Vocational Rehabilitation Department shall give full consideration to any similar benefits available to a handicapped individual, including private, group or other insurance benefits, to meet, in whole or in part, the cost of any vocational rehabilitation services prior to expenditure of public funds. To the extent that an individual is eligible for other benefits, including private, group or other insurance benefits, such benefits shall be utilized insofar as possible. Insurance carriers shall not deny payment of benefits otherwise available solely on the basis that a handicapped individual has applied for, or has been deemed eligible to receive, vocational rehabilitation services as provided by the Vocational Rehabilitation Department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-7-70 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 43-7-70
SECTION 43-7-70. False statement or representation on application for assistance prohibited; violation is a misdemeanor; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A)(1) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly and wilfully to make or cause to be made a false statement or representation of material fact on an application for assistance, goods, or services under the state's Medicaid program when the false statement or representation is made for the purpose of determining the person's entitlement to assistance, goods, or services. (2) It is unlawful for any applicant, recipient, or other person acting on behalf of the applicant or recipient knowingly and wilfully to conceal or fail to disclose any material fact affecting the applicant's or recipient's initial or continued entitlement to receive assistance, goods, or services under the state's Medicaid program. (3) It is unlawful for a person eligible to receive benefits, services, or goods under the Medicaid program to sell, lease, lend, or otherwise exchange rights, privileges, or benefits to another person. (B) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of medical assistance recipient fraud, a Class A misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than three years or fined not more than one thousand dollars, or both. Editor's Note 1994 Act No. 468, SECTION 2, provides as follows: "The offenses created by this act are not exclusive and must not be construed to limit the power of the State to prosecute a person for conduct which constitutes a crime under another statute or at common law."
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-33-40 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / Article 1 / Section 43-33-40
SECTION 43-33-40. Unlawful interference with rights of blind or other physically disabled person.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful for a person or his agent to: (1) deny or interfere with admittance to or enjoyment of the public facilities enumerated in Section 43-33-20; or (2) interfere with the rights of a totally or partially blind or disabled person under Section 43-33-20. (B) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-75 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 43-35-75
SECTION 43-35-75. Immunity of person making report or participating in investigation in good faith.
Status: in_force

(A) A person who, acting in good faith, reports pursuant to this chapter or who participates in an investigation or judicial proceeding resulting from a report is immune from civil and criminal liability which may otherwise result by reason of this action. In a civil or criminal proceeding good faith is a rebuttable presumption. (B) It is against the public policy of South Carolina to change an employee's status solely because the employee reports or cooperates with an investigation or action taken under this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-60 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-60
SECTION 43-5-60. Assistance subject to future legislation; no claim against State.
Status: in_force

All assistance granted under Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19, and 23 shall be deemed to be granted and to be held subject to the provisions of any amending or repealing act that may be passed and no recipient shall have any claim for compensation, or otherwise, by reason of his assistance being affected in any way by an amending or repealing act, nor shall he have any claim against the State for any failure upon the part of the General Assembly in any year to appropriate sufficient funds to pay grants previously made.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1205 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1205
SECTION 43-5-1205. Interest income and dividends to be excluded.
Status: in_force

In order to assist AFDC families in gaining financial independence and in building for the future, the Department of Social Services shall apply to the federal government for a waiver allowing the State to exclude interest income and dividends up to four hundred dollars in determining eligibility and payment amounts for Aid to Families with Dependent Children.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-20 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 43-35-20
SECTION 43-35-20. Additional powers of investigative entities.
Status: in_force

In addition to all other powers and duties that an investigative entity is given in this article, the investigative entity may: (1) have access to facilities for the purpose of conducting investigations, as otherwise permitted by law; (2) request and receive written statements, documents, exhibits, and other items pertinent to an investigation including, but not limited to, hospital records of a vulnerable adult which the hospital is authorized to release upon written request of the investigative entity without obtaining patient authorization; (3) issue, through its director, administrative subpoenas for the purpose of gathering information and documents; (4) institute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to seek relief necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter; (5) require all persons, including family members of a vulnerable adult and facility staff members, to cooperate with the investigative entity in carrying out its duties under this chapter including, but not limited to, conducting investigations and providing protective services; (6) require all officials, agencies, departments, and political subdivisions of the State to assist and cooperate within their jurisdictional power with the court and the investigative entity in furthering the purposes of this chapter; (7) conduct studies and compile data regarding abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (8) issue reports and recommendations.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-39-70 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 39 / Section 43-39-70
SECTION 43-39-70. Compensation; vacancies.
Status: in_force

Members of the commission shall serve without compensation except as otherwise provided for by appropriate federal authorization. In the event of a vacancy on the commission it shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by selection and appointment in the same manner as provided for the original appointments.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-225 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-225
SECTION 43-5-225. Central registry of records; assistance of other agencies; availability of records.
Status: in_force

(a) A central registry of records shall be maintained in the department showing as far as it is known with respect to any parent who has deserted or abandoned any child receiving aid to families with dependent children: (1) the full and true name of such parent together with any known aliases; (2) date and place of birth; (3) physical description; (4) social security number; (5) occupation and any special skills he may have; (6) military status and Veterans Administration or military service serial number; (7) last known address and the date thereof; (8) number of the driver's license; (9) any further information that may be of assistance in locating the person. (b) To effectuate the purposes of this section, the department shall request from all departments, commissions, boards or other agencies of the State or any of its political subdivisions such assistance and data as will enable the department and other public agencies to carry out their duties to locate deserting parents and to enforce their liability for the support of their children. The department shall utilize the "Parent Locator Service" pursuant to establishment in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare by filing in accordance with Section 453(b) of the Social Security Act. (c) Any records established pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be available only to public welfare offices, county attorneys, circuit solicitors, probation departments, the Attorney General, central registries in other states and courts having jurisdiction in support or abandonment proceedings or action and only for the purposes for which the records have been established.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-15 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 43-35-15
SECTION 43-35-15. Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit; Long Term Care Ombudsman Program; Adult Protective Services Program; responsibilities; referral of reports.
Status: in_force

(A) The Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division shall receive and coordinate the referral of all reports of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults in facilities operated or contracted for operation by the Office of Mental Health or the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The unit shall establish a toll free number, which must be operated twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to receive the reports. The unit shall investigate or refer to appropriate law enforcement those reports in which there is reasonable suspicion of criminal conduct. The unit also shall investigate vulnerable adult fatalities as provided for in Article 5, Chapter 35, Title 43. The unit shall refer those reports in which there is no reasonable suspicion of criminal conduct to the appropriate investigative entity for investigation. Upon conclusion of a criminal investigation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult, the unit or other law enforcement shall refer the case to the appropriate prosecutor when further action is necessary. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division may develop policies, procedures, and memorandum of agreement with other agencies to be used in fulfilling the requirements of this article. However, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division must not delegate its responsibility to investigate criminal reports of alleged abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the agencies, facilities, or entities that operate or contract for the operation of the facilities. Nothing in this subsection precludes the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, or their contractors from performing administrative responsibilities in compliance with applicable state and federal requirements. (B) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (D), the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program shall investigate or cause to be investigated noncriminal reports of alleged abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults occurring in facilities. The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program may develop policies, procedures, and memoranda of agreement to be used in reporting these incidents and in furthering its investigations. The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program must not delegate its responsibility to investigate noncriminal reports of alleged abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the facilities or to the entities that operate or contract for the operation of the facilities. Nothing in this subsection precludes the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, or their contractors from performing administrative responsibilities in compliance with applicable state and federal requirements. The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program shall refer reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division if there is reasonable suspicion of criminal conduct. (C) The Adult Protective Services Program in the Department of Social Services shall investigate or cause to be investigated noncriminal reports of alleged abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults occurring in all settings other than those facilities for which the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is responsible for the investigation pursuant to this section. The Adult Protective Services Program may promulgate regulations and develop policies, procedures, and memoranda of agreement to be used in reporting these incidents, in furthering its investigations, and in providing protective services. The Adult Protective Services Program shall refer reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division if there is reasonable suspicion of criminal conduct. (D) Notwithstanding another provision of law, the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division shall refer reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation involving residents committed to the Office of Mental Health pursuant to Chapter 48, Title 44 in which there is no reasonable suspicion of criminal conduct to the Office of Mental Health Client Advocacy Program for investigation. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, certain references in the S.C. Code to the State Department of Mental Health, South Carolina Mental Health Commission, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs Commission, Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, and other related terms were changed to reflect the restructuring of these agencies into component offices under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, pursuant to 2025 Act No. 3, SECTION 18.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-240 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-240
SECTION 43-1-240. Coordination with First Steps to School Readiness initiative.
Status: repealed

The State Department of Social Services in establishing priorities and funding for programs and services which impact on children and families during the first years of a child's life, within the powers and duties granted to it, must support, as appropriate, the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness initiative, as established in Chapter 152, Title 59, at the state and local levels. Editor's Note 1999 Act No. 99, SECTION 8, provides in part as follows: "The provisions of this act are repealed July 1, 2007, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly." 2006 Act No. 412, SECTION 2, provides in part as follows: "Act 99 of 1999, South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Act, is reauthorized until July 2013." 2013 Act No. 101, SECTION 117.114, provides as follows: "117.114. (GP: First Steps Reauthorization) Act 99 of 1999, the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Act, is reauthorized for the duration of Fiscal Year 2013-2014." 2014 Act No. 286, SECTION 117.108, provides as follows: "117.108. (GP: First Steps Reauthorization) Act 99 of 1999, the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Act, is reauthorized for the duration of Fiscal Year 2014-2015." 2014 Act No. 287, SECTION 20.B, repealed by 2018 Act No. 152, SECTION 8, provided as follows: "B. Act 99 of 1999, South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Act, is reauthorized until July 1, 2016." 2016 Act No. 284, SECTION 117.128, provides as follows: "117.128. (GP: First Steps Reauthorization) Act 99 of 1999, the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Act, as amended by Act 287 of 2014 is reauthorized for the duration of Fiscal Year 2016-17." 2017 Act No. 97, SECTION 117.119, provides: "117.119. (GP: First Steps Reauthorization) Act 99 of 1999, the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Act, as amended by Act 287 of 2014 is reauthorized for the duration of Fiscal Year 2017-18." 2018 Act No. 152, SECTION 8, provides as follows: "SECTION 8. Section 20B. of Act 287 of 2014 [reauthorizing the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Act until July 1, 2016] is repealed. Act 99 of 1999, South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Act, as amended by this act, is reauthorized until June 30, 2025."
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-47-60 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 47 / Section 43-47-60
SECTION 43-47-60. Compensation; filling of vacancies.
Status: in_force

Members of the commission serve without compensation except as otherwise provided for by federal authorization. A vacancy must be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by selection and appointment in the same manner as provided for the original appointment.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-310 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 3 / Section 43-35-310
SECTION 43-35-310. Council created; membership; filling vacancies.
Status: in_force

(A) There is created the Adult Protection Coordinating Council under the auspices of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and is comprised of: (1) one member from the institutional care service provision system who is a consumer or a family member of a consumer of that system and one member from the home and community-based service provision system who is a consumer or a family member of a consumer of that system, both of whom must be appointed by the council for terms of two years; and (2) these members who shall serve ex officio: (a) Attorney General or a designee; (b) Office on Aging, Executive Director, or a designee; (c) Criminal Justice Academy, Executive Director, or a designee; (d) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Commissioner, or a designee; (e) Office of Mental Health, Office Director, or a designee; (f) Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Office Director, or a designee; (g) Adult Protective Services Program, Director, or a designee; (h) South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Executive Director, or a designee; (i) Police Chiefs' Association, President, or a designee; (j) South Carolina Commission on Prosecution Coordination, Executive Director, or a designee; (k) Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc., Executive Director, or a designee; (l) South Carolina Sheriff's Association, Executive Director, or a designee; (m) South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Chief, or a designee; (n) Long Term Care Ombudsman or a designee; (o) South Carolina Medical Association, Executive Director, or a designee; (p) South Carolina Health Care Association, Executive Director, or a designee; (q) South Carolina Home Care Association, Executive Director, or a designee; (r) South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Director, or a designee; (s) executive director or president of a provider association for home and community-based services selected by the members of the council for terms of two years, or a designee; (t) South Carolina Court Administration, Executive Director, or a designee; (u) executive director or president of a residential care facility organization selected by the members of council for terms of two years, or a designee. (B) Vacancies on the council must be filled in the same manner as the initial appointment. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, certain references in the S.C. Code to the State Department of Mental Health, South Carolina Mental Health Commission, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs Commission, Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, and other related terms were changed to reflect the restructuring of these agencies into component offices under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, pursuant to 2025 Act No. 3, SECTION 18.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-39-50 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 39 / Section 43-39-50
SECTION 43-39-50. Candidates meeting eligibility criteria confirmed by appointment of Governor.
Status: in_force

After the candidates for nomination to the commission have met the eligibility criteria and have been selected for membership in accordance with the requirements of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 (PL 92-424), and the Headstart, Economic Opportunity, and Community Partnership Act of 1974 (PL 94-644), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, they shall be confirmed as members of the commission by appointment of the Governor upon the recommendation of the respective county council of the four participating counties.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-160 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-160
SECTION 43-1-160. Unauthorized use or disclosure of public assistance information; penalties.
Status: in_force

No person shall use or disclose information concerning applicants or recipients of public assistance, including Medicaid, except for purposes connected with the administration of the applicable program or as authorized by state or federal regulations. A person, firm, association, corporation, or other agency violating any provision of this section, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-45-70 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 45 / Section 43-45-70
SECTION 43-45-70. Authority of community-based organizations.
Status: in_force

A community-based organization has authority under this chapter to receive and administer funds, to receive funds and contributions from private or local public sources to be used in support of a community-based program, and funds received under any federal or state assistance program. A community-based organization is empowered to transfer funds so received and to delegate powers to other agencies, subject to approval by and under such conditions as may be prescribed by the state administering agency.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-230 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-230
SECTION 43-1-230. Restrictions on direct services provided by State Department under Title XX.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all direct services provided by the Department of Social Services and through agreement with other state departments or county departments under Title XX of Public Law 93-647 shall be subject to the same planning and contractual provisions required of private nonprofit service providers.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-31-130 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-31-130
SECTION 43-31-130. Acceptance and use of gifts, Federal grants and other funds.
Status: in_force

(1) The commissioner may, with the approval of the agency, accept and use gifts made unconditionally by will or otherwise for carrying out the purposes of this chapter. Gifts made under such conditions as in the judgment of the agency are proper and consistent with the provisions of this chapter may be so accepted and shall be held, invested, reinvested, and used in accordance with the condition of the gift. (2) The acceptance of Federal funds and other funds, and their use for vocational rehabilitation, subject to such restrictions as may be imposed by the donor and not inconsistent with this chapter, is hereby authorized. (3) Federal grants and donations for vocational rehabilitation services, unless otherwise restricted, shall be available for all vocational rehabilitation services provided under the State plan, and also for the purpose, whenever Federal funds are made available to the State under SECTION 3 of the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Amendments of 1954, for the extension and improvement of vocational rehabilitation services, or under SECTION 4 of such act for projects for research, demonstrations, training and traineeships, and for the planning for and initiating expansion of vocational rehabilitation services under the State plan.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-150 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-150
SECTION 43-1-150. Rules and regulations governing use and disclosure of public assistance information.
Status: in_force

The State Department shall promulgate regulations to comply with federal requirements on the use or disclosure of information concerning applicants or recipients of public assistance, including Medicaid. When information concerning applicants or recipients of public assistance, including Medicaid, is furnished to or held by another agency or department of government, that agency or department is required to adopt regulations to comply with federal requirements on the use or disclosure of information concerning applicants or recipients of public assistance, including Medicaid.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-80 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-80
SECTION 43-1-80. Powers, duties and purpose of State Department.
Status: in_force

The State Department shall supervise and administer the public welfare activities and functions of the State as provided in Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19, and 23 and child protective services as referred to in Title 63, Chapter 7 or as otherwise authorized by law and may act as the agent of the State, cooperate with any federal agency for the purpose of carrying out matters of mutual concern, and administer any federal funds granted the State in the furtherance of the duties imposed upon the State Department. The Department shall study the various social problems confronting the State, inquiring into their causes and possible cures, making such surveys, gathering such statistics, and formulating such recommended public policies in connection thereto as may be in the interest of the State, and shall make such information available in published form. The Department may adopt all necessary rules and regulations and formulate policies and methods of administration, when not otherwise fixed by law, to carry out effectively the activities and responsibilities delegated to it. The aim of the Department shall be to promote the unified development of welfare activities and agencies of the State and local governments so that each agency and governmental institution may function as an integral part of a general system.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-200 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-200
SECTION 43-5-200. Endorsement when recipient dies after issuance of check.
Status: in_force

When a recipient dies after issuance but before delivery or negotiation of his assistance check for the month in which his death occurs, endorsement of such check without recourse by the county director of social services to the "spouse or nearest living relative" of the recipient shall be sufficient authority to the drawee bank to pay such check.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-21-150 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 21 / Section 43-21-150
SECTION 43-21-150. Educational and informational program.
Status: in_force

The Department on Aging, with the cooperation of the Long Term Care Council and the Department of Insurance, shall develop and implement a program to educate citizens concerning: (a) the availability of long term care services; (b) the lifetime risk of spending some time in a nursing home; (c) the coverage available for long term care services through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance policies, and the limitations of this coverage; and (d) the availability of home equity conversion alternatives, such as reverse annuity mortgages and sale-leaseback arrangements, in this State and the risks and benefits of these alternatives. This program must be made a part of the Preretirement Education Program of the South Carolina Retirement Systems. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, references to "Department on Aging" and "department" were substituted for "Division on Aging" and "division" to comply with amendments made by 2018 Act No. 261.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-25-20 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 25 / Section 43-25-20
SECTION 43-25-20. "Blindness" and "severe visual disability" as criteria for acceptance for services for persons who qualify.
Status: in_force

For purposes of this chapter, "blindness" and "severe visual disability" are the criteria for acceptance for services for persons who qualify. (1) "Blindness" is defined as that level of central visual acuity, 20⁄200 or less in the better eye with correcting glasses, or a disqualifying field defect in which the peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than twenty degrees and which is sufficient to incapacitate him for self-support, or an eighty per cent loss of visual efficiency resulting from visual impairment in more than one function of the eye, including visual acuity for distance and near, visual fields, ocular, mobility, and other ocular functions and disturbances. (2) "Severe visual disability" is defined as any progressive pathological condition of the eye or eyes supported by acceptable eye examination, which in the opinion of the examiner may or will result in legal blindness within twenty-four months.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-10 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-10
SECTION 43-1-10. State Department of Social Services; subordinate divisions; director.
Status: in_force

There is created the State Department of Social Services, referred to in this title as the state department or department, with such subordinate divisions as may be created or authorized by law. The state department shall be headed by a State Director of Social Services who shall be appointed by the Governor upon the advice and consent of the Senate. The director must possess sound moral character, superior knowledge of and experience in the field of children's services and other social services, and proven administrative ability. The director is subject to removal by the Governor pursuant to the provisions of Section 1-3-240.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-90 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 43-35-90
SECTION 43-35-90. Article not to affect authority of agencies.
Status: in_force

This article is not intended to affect in any way the authority of any agency to act under state or federal law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-47-10 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 47 / Section 43-47-10
SECTION 43-47-10. Authority to provide for commission; counties served by commission pursuant to state law.
Status: in_force

A county by ordinance may provide for a human resources commission to serve that county. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to a county served by a human resources commission pursuant to state law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-50 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-50
SECTION 43-5-50. One-time grant in event assistance check lost, stolen or destroyed.
Status: in_force

In the event that a recipient of aid to families with dependent children does not receive an assistance check, or if such check is lost, stolen, or destroyed after receipt but before it is cashed, the county office may authorize a one-time grant in the amount of the original check provided the recipient files an affidavit, under penalty of perjury, stating the facts of the loss, theft, destruction, or nonreceipt of the check and setting forth all material facts relative to its loss, theft, destruction, or nonreceipt. The affidavit shall further witness the recipient's understanding of his obligation, should the lost, stolen, destroyed, or nonreceived check come into his possession, to return such check immediately to the county office and that cashing or attempting to cash such check constitutes fraud.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-7-230 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 43-7-230
SECTION 43-7-230. Service of summons, petition and order on employee and employer; answers.
Status: in_force

A duplicate copy of the summons, petition, and order shall be served on the person who is employed and his employer, who shall both be designated respondents. Each shall have twenty days in which to answer or otherwise plead.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1165 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1165
SECTION 43-5-1165. Teen parent independence initiative.
Status: in_force

The department, as part of the employment and training program, shall provide special educational and related services for teen parents to assist them in becoming economically independent and to provide health information. This teen parent initiative must be staffed by department personnel familiar with school dropout programs, family planning programs which comply with existing law, and parent effectiveness training programs, and whenever possible and practical, the department shall coordinate with comparable staff of other state and local agencies in providing these services.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-47-110 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 47 / Section 43-47-110
SECTION 43-47-110. Fiscal year; audit.
Status: in_force

The commission shall conduct its affairs on the fiscal year basis of July first to June thirtieth. As shortly after the close of its fiscal year as may be practicable, an audit of its affairs must be made by a certified public accountant to be designated by the commission. Copies of the audit, incorporated into an annual report of the commission, must be filed with the legislative delegation of the county and the governing bodies of each county.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-41-40 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 41 / Section 43-41-40
SECTION 43-41-40. Apportionment of membership between counties.
Status: in_force

The twenty-one members of the commission must be apportioned among the participating counties as follows: 1. Greenwood County - three members 2. Laurens County - three members 3. Edgefield County - three members 4. Abbeville County - three members 5. McCormick County - three members 6. Newberry County - three members 7. Saluda County - three members The membership from each county also must be constituted according to the formula provided for in Section 43-41-30 (A).
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-33-520 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / Article 7 / Section 43-33-520
SECTION 43-33-520. Guaranteed opportunities.
Status: in_force

The opportunity to obtain housing, full and equal use of public accommodations, public services, and to make use of educational facilities without discrimination because of a handicap is guaranteed by this article and is a civil right.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-130 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-130
SECTION 43-5-130. Consideration of income of relative.
Status: in_force

(a) The department shall, in determining need, take into consideration any income or resources of any relative claiming aid to families with dependent children, whose needs the department determines would be considered in determining the need of a child or relative claiming such aid, as well as any expense reasonably attributed to the earning of any such income. (b) Income, as used in subsection (a), includes any benefit in cash which is in fact currently available to the individual or is received by him as a result of current or past labor or service, or business activities. (c) To be considered in determining eligibility for, and amount of grant, income must, in fact, be currently available to the applicant or recipient. However, the applicant or recipient shall, as a necessary condition of determining eligibility: (1) provide all information necessary to income determination; (2) take all actions necessary to obtain unconditionally available income. Income shall be considered unconditionally available if the applicant or recipient has only to claim or accept such income, including any type of governmental benefits, social insurance, and private pension or benefits plan. (d) The department shall require evidence which establishes the gross and net amount of income received and the time and frequency of receipt. Documents and records in the possession of the applicant or recipient together with a written statement made under penalty of perjury that such information is correct and complete to the best of the applicant or recipient's knowledge or belief constitute adequate sources of evidence in absence of conflicts. Such documents or records shall be returned promptly to the applicant or recipient after necessary copies have been made and placed in the case records.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-7-50 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 43-7-50
SECTION 43-7-50. Payments for professional services under State Medicaid Program shall be uniform within State.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of computing the amount of reimbursement for professional services under the State Medicaid Program, all localities in the State of South Carolina shall be deemed "similar" by virtue of being within the State's boundaries and the amount of reimbursement for similar services rendered by professionals within the same specialty of medical or dental practice shall be equal regardless of place of residence or place of practice, so long as the place of practice is within the boundaries of the State of South Carolina. No agency of the State shall reimburse professionals, or cause professionals to be reimbursed, at rates of payment which vary as a result of geographic locations.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-43-130 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 43 / Section 43-43-130
SECTION 43-43-130. Regular and special meetings; quorum.
Status: in_force

Any action required of the commission may be taken at any regular or special meeting, and at such meeting fifty percent of the total membership shall constitute a quorum.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-50 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-50
SECTION 43-1-50. State Director of Social Services; selection; term; duties; salary; bond.
Status: in_force

The chief executive officer and the administrative head of the state department is a State Director of Social Services, referred to in Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19, and 23 as the State Commissioner or commissioner, who shall hold office until his successor has been appointed and qualified. The director shall be vested with the duty and authority to oversee, manage, and control the operation, administration, and organization of the department subject only to the laws of this State and the United States. He shall receive such compensation as may be established under the provisions of Section 8-11-160 and for which funds have been authorized in the general appropriation act. The director may be required to furnish bond.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-33-50 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / Article 1 / Section 43-33-50
SECTION 43-33-50. White Cane Safety Day.
Status: in_force

Each year, the Governor shall take suitable public notice of October fifteenth as White Cane Safety Day. He shall issue a proclamation in which: (a) he comments upon the significance of the white cane; (b) he calls upon the citizens of the State to observe the provisions of the White Cane Law and to take precautions necessary to the safety of the disabled; (c) he reminds the citizens of the State of the policies with respect to the disabled herein declared and urges the citizens to cooperate in giving effect to them; (d) he emphasizes the need of the citizens to be aware of the presence of disabled persons in the community and to keep safe and functional for the disabled the streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings, public facilities, other public places, places of public accommodation, amusement and resort, and other places to which the public is invited, and to offer assistance to disabled persons upon appropriate occasions.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-110 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-110
SECTION 43-1-110. State Department may cooperate with Federal Government in administration of Federal Child Welfare Services.
Status: in_force

The State Department may cooperate with the Federal Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, in the administration of Child Welfare Services as provided in Title V, Part 3, of the Federal Social Security Act relative to establishing, extending and strengthening services for the protection and care of homeless, dependent and neglected children and children in danger of becoming delinquent in predominantly rural areas and other areas of special need and may receive and expend all funds made available to the Department by the Federal Government, the State or its political subdivisions for such purposes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-33-230 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / Article 3 / Section 43-33-230
SECTION 43-33-230. Complaints.
Status: in_force

Any applicant for employment or promotion may personally, or by his representative, file a written complaint of alleged violations of the provisions of this article with the agency concerned within ninety days of the alleged violations. The agency shall make a decision concerning the complaint and shall take such action as may be warranted within thirty days. If the agency and the complainant are unable to reach a satisfactory agreement, the complainant shall be informed of his right to appeal. The appeal shall be through the established grievance procedures in the case of permanent employees or to the State Personnel Division in the case of applicants for employment or those employees not on permanent status.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-90 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-90
SECTION 43-1-90. State Department shall supervise administration of assistance; forms; rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

The State Department shall supervise the administration of assistance under Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19 and 23. The State Department shall prescribe the form of and print and supply to county departments blanks of applications, reports, affidavits and such other forms as it may deem advisable. The State Department shall make rules and regulations necessary for the carrying out of the provisions of Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19 and 23 to the end that assistance be administered uniformly throughout the State, having regard to the varying conditions in different parts of the State, and that the spirit and purpose of Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19 and 23 may be complied with. All such rules and regulations made by the State Department shall be binding upon the county departments and shall be complied with by them.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-43-100 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 43 / Section 43-43-100
SECTION 43-43-100. Powers.
Status: in_force

The commission is empowered: (a) to sue and be sued; (b) to adopt, use and alter a corporate seal; (c) to make bylaws for the management and regulation of its affairs; (d) to appoint agents, employees and servants, to prescribe their duties, to fix their compensation, to determine if and to what extent they shall be bonded for the faithful performance of their duties; (e) to undertake the improvement of communication and co-operation among existing and future programs administered by federal, state, county and municipal governmental agencies and private organizations designed to improve the health, education, welfare, housing or employment of the low income residents of the counties represented by the commission and, with the consent of such agencies and organizations, to coordinate the same; (f) to enter into contracts and agreements for performance of its programs and duties with federal, state, county and municipal governmental agencies and subdivisions thereof, and private nonprofit organizations; (g) to receive and expend funds for the performance of its duties in the administration of its programs from such governmental agencies and subdivisions thereof and private nonprofit organizations, as well as any other sources; (h) to designate an executive committee from among the members of the commission to which may be delegated one or more duties and responsibilities of the commission and, from time to time, to appoint one or more subcommittees to advise and assist in the administration of its program and the performance of its duties; all committees designated should be represented by the three categories in the same proportion as the full commission; (i) to maintain adequate accounts and records of its activities, receipts and expenses in conformance with requirements of any contract or agreement with any federal, state, county or municipal governmental agency, or subdivision thereof, or any private nonprofit organization; (j) to acquire, own or hold in trust, preserve, restore, maintain, or lease property, facilities and equipment reasonably necessary for the performance of its duties and the administration of its programs; (k) to do such other things as may be necessary to perform the duties prescribed in this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-185 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-185
SECTION 43-5-185. Public officers prohibited from attempting to influence decisions regarding applications for assistance; penalty.
Status: in_force

Any public officer not charged with the administration of Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19, and 23 who attempts to influence a decision of the county department or state department respecting the application of any person for assistance or respecting the assistance to be paid or being paid shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both, in the discretion of the court. The giving of information within the personal knowledge of such officer, in writing, shall not constitute an offense under this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-940 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 43-5-940
SECTION 43-5-940. Department's authority.
Status: in_force

The department has the authority to: (1) enter into agreements with vendors in order to provide supplemental foods for program participants; (2) hold hearings, compel attendance of witnesses, and make findings and determinations; (3) issue, revoke, and modify orders relating to the administration of the WIC Program; (4) establish and impose disqualification periods for persons not meeting the terms of the WIC Vendor Agreement or violating regulations; (5) establish and impose a point system to be used to determine the disqualification period; (6) recover monies from any vendor who overcharges the department; (7) settle or compromise any action or cause of action for the recovery of a penalty or monies under this article as it may consider advantageous to the State.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-180 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-180
SECTION 43-5-180. Charges and fees for representing applicants or recipients of assistance.
Status: in_force

No person shall make any charge or receive any fee for representing the applicant or recipient of assistance in connection with the granting of any assistance provided for in Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19, and 23, except as to criminal proceedings and except upon appeal to the department, and then only in a reasonable amount and subject to the regulations of the department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-25-40 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 25 / Section 43-25-40
SECTION 43-25-40. Commission shall establish application procedure; register of ophthalmologists; commission shall pay examination costs.
Status: in_force

The commission shall designate the procedure to be followed and shall establish a register of ophthalmologists from which the applicant may select one to conduct a competent medical examination for determining the extent of his visual handicap. The commission shall pay for such examination.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-31-10 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-31-10
SECTION 43-31-10. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be cited as "The Vocational Rehabilitation Act of South Carolina."
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-155 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-155
SECTION 43-5-155. Appeal if application not acted upon within specified time.
Status: in_force

If an application is not acted upon by the county department within the time limitations specified in Section 43-5-148 the applicant may appeal to the state department in the manner and form prescribed in Section 43-5-150.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-350 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 3 / Section 43-35-350
SECTION 43-35-350. Meetings.
Status: in_force

Meetings of the council must be held at least quarterly at the call of the chair or may be called by a petition of two-thirds of the council membership.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-500 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 5 / Section 43-35-500
SECTION 43-35-500. Definitions.
Status: in_force

In addition to the definitions contained in Section 43-35-10, for purposes of this article: (1) "Committee" means the Vulnerable Adult Fatalities Review Committee. (2) "Meeting" means both in-person meetings and meetings through telephone conferencing. (3) "Preventable death" means a death that reasonable medical, social, legal, psychological, or educational intervention may have prevented. (4) "Provider of medical care" means a licensed health care practitioner who provides, or a licensed health care facility through which is provided, medical evaluation or treatment, including dental and mental health evaluation or treatment. (5) "SLED" means the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. (6) "Unit" means the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. (7) "Working day" means Monday through Friday, excluding official state holidays.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-31-100 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-31-100
SECTION 43-31-100. Persons eligible for services; plan effective throughout State.
Status: in_force

Pursuant to the policy declared in SECTION 43-31-20, the vocational rehabilitation services shall be provided under this chapter to persons throughout the State, and the vocational rehabilitation plan adopted pursuant to this chapter shall be in effect in all political subdivisions of the State.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-33-570 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / Article 7 / Section 43-33-570
SECTION 43-33-570. Reasonable justification defined.
Status: in_force

For purposes of this article, "reasonable justification" in the context of housing and public services must be determined in light of the following factors, among others: (1) safety; (2) efficiency; and (3) cost.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-570 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 5 / Section 43-35-570
SECTION 43-35-570. Purpose of Vulnerable Adult Fatalities Review Committee.
Status: in_force

(A) The purpose of the Vulnerable Adult Fatalities Review Committee is to decrease the incidence of preventable vulnerable adult deaths by: (1) developing an understanding of the causes and incidences of vulnerable adult deaths; (2) developing plans for and implementing changes within the agencies represented on the committee which will prevent vulnerable adult deaths; and (3) advising the Governor and the General Assembly on statutory, policy, and practice changes that will prevent vulnerable adult deaths. (B) To achieve its purpose, the committee shall: (1) meet with the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division no later than one month after the unit receives notification by the county coroner or medical examiner pursuant to Section 17-5-555 or Section 43-35-35 to review the investigation of the death; (2) undertake annual statistical studies of the incidence and causes of vulnerable adult fatalities in this State. The studies shall include an analysis of community and public and private agency involvement with the decedents and their families before and subsequent to the deaths; (3) consider training, including cross-agency training, consultation, technical assistance needs, and service gaps; (4) educate the public regarding the incidences and causes of vulnerable adult deaths, the public role in preventing these deaths, and specific steps the public can undertake to prevent vulnerable adult deaths. The committee shall enlist the support of civic, philanthropic, and public service organizations in performing the committee's educational duties; (5) develop and implement policies and procedures for its own governance and operation; (6) submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual written report and any other reports prepared by the committee including, but not limited to, the committee's findings and recommendations for changes to any statute, regulation, policy, or procedure that the committee determines is needed to decrease the incidence of preventable vulnerable adult deaths. Annual reports must be made available to the public.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-235 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-235
SECTION 43-5-235. Reimbursement of local entities for costs of child support collection and paternity determination program.
Status: in_force

To the extent permitted by federal law, the department may enter into annual agreements with county governments, clerks of court, sheriffs, and other law enforcement entities having jurisdiction in that county to reimburse and to pay federal financial participation and incentives pursuant to the terms of the agreement to the appropriate contracting entity for a portion of the cost of developing and implementing a child support collection and paternity determination program for: (1) securing support for persons receiving state public assistance and reimbursement of medical assistance from the legally responsible spouse or parent of assistance recipients; (2) establishing paternity of children born out of wedlock who are receiving aid to families with dependent children and to secure support for them; (3) all children who have sought assistance in securing support whether or not they are eligible for aid to families with dependent children and regardless of the economic circumstances. To the extent permitted by federal law, a fiscal incentive and federal financial participation must be paid to the department and provided to the entity providing the service for the collection and enforcement of child support obligations. These monies must be paid to the appropriate county treasurer or county finance office on a monthly basis and deposited into a separate account for the entity providing the service for the exclusive use by this entity for all activities related to the establishment, collection, and enforcement of child support obligations for the fiscal year in which the payments are earned and may be drawn on and used only by the entity providing the service for which the account was established. Monies paid to the contracting entity pursuant to this section may not be used to replace operating funds of the budget of the entity providing the service. Funds in the special account not encumbered for child support activities revert to the general fund of the county at the end of the fiscal year in which they were earned. Each local entity shall enter into a support enforcement agreement with the department as a condition of receiving the fiscal incentive and federal financial participation. To the extent that fiscal incentives are paid to the department and are not owed under the agreement to the contracting entity, these fiscal incentives must be reinvested in the department's Child Support Enforcement Program to increase collections of support at the state and county levels in a manner consistent with the federal laws and regulations governing incentive payments.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-320 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 43-5-320
SECTION 43-5-320. General assistance to certain persons who are essential to welfare of others.
Status: in_force

General assistance in the form of money payments may be made to persons who are essential to the welfare of aged, blind, or disabled persons receiving other forms of public assistance and who are unable to support themselves and would suffer unless so provided for. A recipient of such assistance must be unable to provide himself with the necessities of life, have insufficient means of his own for proper support and have no relative or other person able to provide and who is legally responsible for his maintenance or willing to provide therefor.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-910 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 43-5-910
SECTION 43-5-910. Short title; definitions.
Status: in_force

This article may be cited as the "WIC Vendor Act" and unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Department" means the Department of Health and Environmental Control. (2) "WIC" means the Special Supplemental Food Program for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women, Infants, and Children. (3) "Vendor" means any food store or pharmacy approved for participation in the WIC Program which has a valid WIC Vendor Agreement on file at the WIC Program office. (4) "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, association, firm, trust, estate, or any other legal entity.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-33-540 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / Article 7 / Section 43-33-540
SECTION 43-33-540. Injunctive relief or civil damages for persons discriminated against.
Status: in_force

A handicapped person aggrieved by the discrimination prohibited by this article has the right to seek injunctive relief or civil damages, not to exceed five thousand dollars actual damages, plus his attorney's fee and costs, in the court of common pleas.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-26-50 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 26 / Section 43-26-50
SECTION 43-26-50. Options to establish vending facilities operated by blind persons.
Status: in_force

(a) The property custodians for all public property shall: (1) Prior to granting a permit or renewing a permit for the sale of articles listed in Section 43-26-60, on or in the public property within their control, grant the commission an option to establish a vending facility operated by a blind person for the sale of such articles in a manner as such custodian may deem necessary. (2) Cooperate with the commission in surveys of property under its control to find suitable locations for the operation of vending facilities, and grant an option for the establishment of such facilities to the commission as the needs are determined. (b) The commission shall, upon receipt of the notice of the option, determine the availability of blind persons capable and desirous of operating the vending facility in the manner proposed. The commission shall notify the property custodian of its intent to exercise the option within thirty days of receipt thereof. Provided, however, that the actual establishment of the facility shall take place within a reasonable period of time. (c) If the commission determines not to exercise its option, it shall issue to the property custodian a certificate of this intent. No permit to any person, other than one licensed by the commission, shall be issued or renewed for the sale of articles listed in SECTION 43-26-60 on or in public property in the absence of this certificate. (d) If the commission shall determine to exercise its option, the property custodian shall issue to the commission free of charge a permit for the operation of a vending facility and cooperate with the commission in the installation of such facility. No charge shall be made for the installation or operation of a vending facility. (e) All contracts or permits entered into or issued after the effective date of this chapter shall be voidable if not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-7-450 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Article 5 / Section 43-7-450
SECTION 43-7-450. Claims or actions pending or brought before June 11, 1986.
Status: in_force

Any claim or action pending or brought before June 11, 1986 may be completed and enforced as provided by law prior to June 11, 1986.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-26-70 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 26 / Section 43-26-70
SECTION 43-26-70. Space for such facilities in new construction or remodeling of public buildings; costs.
Status: in_force

When new construction, remodeling, leasing, acquisition and improvement of public property subject to this chapter is authorized, due consideration shall be given to planning and making available suitable space and facilities for vending facilities to be operated by blind persons. When existing public property is altered or remodeled at the request of the commission to accommodate a vending facility, the cost of such alteration or remodeling shall be borne by the commission.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-590 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 5 / Section 43-35-590
SECTION 43-35-590. Confidential and public information.
Status: in_force

(A) All information and records acquired by the unit and the committee in the exercise of their duties and responsibilities pursuant to this article are confidential, exempt from disclosure under Chapter 4, Title 30, the Freedom of Information Act, and only may be disclosed as necessary to carry out the unit's and committee's purposes and responsibilities. (B) Statistical compilations of data that do not contain information that would permit the identification of a person to be ascertained are public records. (C) Reports of the unit and the committee that do not contain information that would permit the identification of a person to be ascertained are public information. (D) Except as necessary to carry out the unit's and committee's duties and responsibilities, unit personnel and members of the committee and persons attending meetings may not disclose what transpired at a meeting that is not public under Section 43-35-580 and may not disclose information, the disclosure of which is prohibited by this section. (E) Members of the committee, persons attending a committee meeting, and persons who present information to the committee may not be required to disclose in any civil or criminal proceeding information presented in or opinions formed as a result of the meeting, except that information available from other sources is not immune from introduction into evidence through those sources solely because it was presented during proceedings of the committee or unit or because it is maintained by the committee or unit. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prevent a person from testifying to information obtained independently of the committee or which is public information. (F) Information, documents, and records of the unit and of the committee are not subject to subpoena, discovery, or the Freedom of Information Act, except that information, documents, and records otherwise available from other sources are not immune from subpoena, discovery, or the Freedom of Information Act through those sources solely because they were presented during proceedings of the unit or committee or because they are maintained by the unit or the committee. (G) A person who knowingly violates a provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-24 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-24
SECTION 43-5-24. Provision of information regarding contraception and family planning.
Status: in_force

When an individual applies for assistance through the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program, the Department of Social Services must provide the applicant with information on methods of contraception and family planning, excluding abortion counseling. The Department of Health and Environmental Control shall provide a brochure or some similar information packet on contraceptive methods and family planning to the Department of Social Services which the Department of Social Services can easily reproduce and distribute. Abortion must not be included in the brochure or information packet provided by the Department of Health and Environmental Control. If the applicant expresses an interest in scheduling an appointment with a local health department to obtain further information and counseling on contraceptive methods and family planning, the Department of Social Services shall assist the applicant in scheduling the appointment.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-7-220 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 43-7-220
SECTION 43-7-220. Petition for attachment; effective date of order.
Status: in_force

The director of the county social services department or the chief administrator of any county operated hospital hereinafter referred to as petitioner, upon alleging in a verified petition, (a) that there was expended for the previous fiscal year in the county where the medical care was rendered, twenty-four percent of the total operating budget for such county, public funds for the hospitalization, medical care and treatment of persons in a sum in excess of twenty-four percent of the total operating budget for such county, (b) that the person or someone for whom he is legally responsible has received medical care, excluding doctor's fees, in a stated amount, (c) that the cost of this care has been paid by the county, (d) that the person is gainfully employed, (e) that the person is indebted to the county for the cost of medical care received, (f) that the name of the person's employer and the approximate amount of the person's average weekly gross wage, and (g) that the county has not been paid for the cost of the medical care rendered, may apply to the court of common pleas or any other court having concurrent jurisdiction in the county where the person is employed, for an order requiring the employer of such person, to withhold from his wages, fees or commissions due or to become due, a sum not to exceed fifteen percent of the average gross weekly wage earned by such person each week, and to pay whatever amount so collected over to the petitioner once a month until the amount found to be due has been paid in full. The order shall not become effective until twenty days after the order has been served on all respondents as hereinafter designated.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-7-250 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 43-7-250
SECTION 43-7-250. Production of payroll records and other information.
Status: in_force

If doubt exists as to the amount the person earns, then on motion of petitioner the court shall require the employer to produce the payroll records of such person and to furnish any other information pertinent to the question.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-7-270 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 43-7-270
SECTION 43-7-270. Return of money wrongfully withheld with interest and attorney's fee.
Status: in_force

Should it be determined that the person receiving medical care is not indebted as alleged in the petition, any money withheld from him shall be returned together with six per cent interest and a reasonable attorney's fee as set by the court, provided an attorney has been employed by such person.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-330 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 43-5-330
SECTION 43-5-330. Application for assistance.
Status: in_force

Applications for assistance under this article shall be made to the county department of the county in which the applicant resides. The application shall be made in writing or reduced to writing in the manner and upon a form prescribed by the State Department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-25-90 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 25 / Section 43-25-90
SECTION 43-25-90. Right to and procedures at hearings and appeals; effect of appeal.
Status: in_force

A person aggrieved by an action of the commission must be granted, upon request, a hearing before a hearing officer assigned by the commission. The hearing officer may not be a member of the commission. The hearing officer has the authority to conduct hearings, to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of records and other documents, to administer oaths and to take testimony. An appeal may be taken from the decision of the hearing officer to the Commission for the Blind. The commission shall hold a hearing on the matter which must be attended by at least three members. An appeal may be taken from the decision of the commission to the Administrative Law Court as provided in Sections 1-23-380(B) and 1-23-600(D). The appellant, within thirty days after notice of the decision of the commission, shall serve notice of appeal upon the chairman of the commission, stating grounds upon which the appeal is founded and file the notice with the Administrative Law Court in accordance with its rules of procedure. The appeal acts as a supersedeas until it is finally determined. Editor's Note 2006 Act No. 387, SECTION 53, provides as follows: "This act is intended to provide a uniform procedure for contested cases and appeals from administrative agencies and to the extent that a provision of this act conflicts with an existing statute or regulation, the provisions of this act are controlling." 2006 Act No. 387, SECTION 57, provides as follows: "This act takes effect on July 1, 2006, and applies to any actions pending on or after the effective date of the act. No pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, or appeal of a final administrative decision exists under the former law as of the effective date of this act, except for appeals of Department of Health and Environmental Control Ocean and Coastal Resource Management and Environmental Quality Control permits that are before the Administrative Law Court on the effective date of this act and petitions for judicial review that are pending before the circuit court. For those actions only, the department shall hear appeals from the administrative law judges and the circuit court shall hear pending petitions for judicial review in accordance with the former law. Thereafter, any appeal of those actions shall proceed as provided in this act for review. For all other actions pending on the effective date of this act, the action proceeds as provided in this act for review."
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-210 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-210
SECTION 43-1-210. Annual report and recommendations.
Status: in_force

(A) The director shall prepare and submit to the Governor and the General Assembly a full and detailed report of its activities and expenditures annually, including a statement of its personnel and the salaries paid, and shall likewise make such recommendations and suggestions as it shall deem advisable in the execution of its duties to the General Assembly. In addition, this report must include, but is not limited to, the following information: (1) the monthly total number of cases assigned, as of the last business day of every month, to each case worker in the Department of Social Services Child Protective Services Division; (2) the monthly total number of children assigned, as of the last business day of every month, to each case worker in the Department of Social Services Child Protective Services Division; (3) the monthly total number of children seen by the Department of Social Services within twenty-four hours of a report of abuse or neglect that were accepted for intake; (4) the monthly total number of children that were not seen by the Department of Social Services within twenty-four hours of a report of abuse or neglect; (5) the total number of children in foster care that were seen by the Department of Social Services each month; (6) the total number of children in foster care that were not seen by the Department of Social Services each month; (7) the number of children placed with a relative or other person pursuant to a safety plan; (8) the number of children placed with a relative licensed as a kinship foster parent; (9) the number of children placed with a relative not licensed as a kinship foster parent; (10) for each case in which a relative requests to be licensed as a kinship foster parent, the number of days before a license is granted; and (11) the number of relatives who apply to be licensed as a kinship foster parent and request a waiver of nonsafety licensing requirements who are subsequently granted a license with the waiver. (B) The Department of Social Services shall prepare and submit this report no later than March first of each year. Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 281, SECTION 11, in the introductory paragraph, added the last sentence, added paragraphs (1) through (6), and added the last undesignated paragraph. 2018 Act No. 146, SECTION 6, inserted the (A) and (B) designators; in (A), added (7) to (11); and made nonsubstantive changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-3-70 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 43-3-70
SECTION 43-3-70. Estimates of county expenses; authority to engage, and qualifications of, agents and employees.
Status: in_force

Each county director shall submit to the state director at such times as the latter shall require the director's estimate of the necessary administrative expenses and expenditures in the county, which, when approved by the state director, shall be authority for the county director to engage such other agents and employees as may be necessary in executing the duties and activities delegated to the county director. All such agents and employees shall measure up to the standards fixed by the state director as to education, training, fitness and experience in social work.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-7-90 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 43-7-90
SECTION 43-7-90. Enforcement of Sections 43-7-60 to 43-7-80.
Status: in_force

The Attorney General has the authority and responsibility to investigate and initiate appropriate action for alleged or suspected violations of Sections 43-7-60 through 43-7-80.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-7-430 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Article 5 / Section 43-7-430
SECTION 43-7-430. Subrogation of rights to department.
Status: in_force

(A) The department automatically is subrogated, only to the extent of the amount of medical assistance paid by Medicaid, to the rights an applicant or recipient has to recover an amount paid by Medicaid from a third party or private insurer. The applicant or recipient shall cooperate fully with the department and shall do nothing after medical assistance is provided to prejudice the subrogation rights of the department. (B) An applicant's and recipient's determination of, and continued eligibility for, medical assistance under Medicaid is contingent on his cooperation with the department in its efforts to enforce its subrogation rights. Cooperation includes, but is not limited to, reimbursing the department from proceeds or payments received by the recipient from a third party or private insurer. (C) An applicant or recipient is considered to have authorized all persons, including insurance companies and providers of medical care, to release to the department information needed to enforce the subrogation rights of the department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-45-20 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 45 / Section 43-45-20
SECTION 43-45-20. Legislative findings and purpose.
Status: in_force

The General Assembly finds that: A. Poverty continues to be the lot of a substantial number of South Carolinians. B. Rising energy costs, coupled with high unemployment, inflation, and high interest rates, have reduced significantly the real purchasing power of low-income and nearly poor individuals and families, particularly elderly handicapped individuals, to such levels that they are unable to acquire necessities of life. C. The real income of households receiving public assistance payments as a primary source of income has diminished in proportion to the real incomes of other households in South Carolina. D. Low-income households need a variety of forms of assistance to break the poverty cycle including financial support, equal access to health, education, housing, job training, and energy conservation services. E. South Carolina can achieve full economic and social potential only if all individuals have the opportunity to contribute to the full extent of their capabilities and to participate in the workings of our society. Therefore, it is the policy of South Carolina to provide an organizational framework through which a wide range of opportunities can be made available to assist low-income individuals in becoming self-sufficient so that they will be able to live in decency and dignity. It is the purpose of this chapter to insure that effective mechanisms are established at the local level to efficiently administer such federal funds as may be allocated to South Carolina for the purposes of carrying out Title VI of U.S. Public Law 97-35.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-60 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 43-35-60
SECTION 43-35-60. Sharing of report information by investigative entities; public confidentiality.
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise prohibited by law, a state agency, an investigative entity, and law enforcement may share information related to an investigation conducted as a result of a report made under this chapter. Information in these investigative records must not be disclosed publicly.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-39-20 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 39 / Section 43-39-20
SECTION 43-39-20. Commission to constitute corporate body.
Status: in_force

The commission is declared to be a body politic and corporate and shall exercise and enjoy all the rights and privileges as such. Membership on the commission shall not be construed to be an office of honor or profit.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-39-90 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 39 / Section 43-39-90
SECTION 43-39-90. Organization; election of officers; maintenance of current membership record.
Status: in_force

Immediately upon appointment of the commission, it shall organize by electing one of its members as chairman, a second as vice-chairman, a third as secretary and a fourth as treasurer. The commission shall file and maintain a current record of its members with the offices of the Clerk of Court and with the respective legislative delegation in each county represented on the commission.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 43-35-25
SECTION 43-35-25. Persons required to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adult; reporting methods.
Status: in_force

(A) A physician, nurse, dentist, optometrist, medical examiner, coroner, other medical, mental health or allied health professional, Christian Science practitioner, religious healer, school teacher, counselor, psychologist, mental health or intellectual disability specialist, social or public assistance worker, caregiver, staff or volunteer of an adult day care center or of a facility, or law enforcement officer having reason to believe that a vulnerable adult has been or is likely to be abused, neglected, or exploited shall report the incident in accordance with this section. Any other person who has actual knowledge that a vulnerable adult has been abused, neglected, or exploited shall report the incident in accordance with this section. (B) Except as provided in subsection (A), any other person who has reason to believe that a vulnerable adult has been or may be abused, neglected, or exploited may report the incident. (C) A person required to report pursuant to this section is personally responsible for making the report; however, a state agency may make a report on behalf of an agency employee if the procedure the agency uses for reporting has been approved in writing by the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division or the investigative entity to which the report is to be made. (D) A person required to report under this section must report the incident within twenty-four hours or the next working day. A report must be made in writing or orally by telephone or otherwise to: (1) the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for incidents occurring in facilities operated or contracted for operation by the Office of Mental Health or the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; (2) the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program for incidents occurring in facilities, except those facilities provided for in item (1); and (3) the Adult Protective Services Program for incidents occurring in all other settings. (E) If the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division or an investigative entity receives a report that is not within its investigative jurisdiction, the unit or investigative entity shall forward the report to the appropriate unit or investigative entity not later than the next working day. (F) No facility may develop policies or procedures that interfere with the reporting requirements of this section. (G) Provided the mandatory reporting requirements of this section are met, nothing in this section precludes a person also from reporting directly to law enforcement, and in cases of an emergency, serious injury, or suspected sexual assault law enforcement must be contacted immediately. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, certain references in the S.C. Code to the State Department of Mental Health, South Carolina Mental Health Commission, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs Commission, Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, and other related terms were changed to reflect the restructuring of these agencies into component offices under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, pursuant to 2025 Act No. 3, SECTION 18.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-38-50 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 38 / Section 43-38-50
SECTION 43-38-50. Exception as to County Homes.
Status: in_force

This chapter does not apply to any county operated County Home which is operated exclusively from county funds.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1115 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1115
SECTION 43-5-1115. Employment and training for those receiving assistance.
Status: in_force

It is the mandate of the General Assembly that the welfare system in South Carolina be restructured to assist families in poverty to become socially and economically independent. It is the purpose and goal of this legislation to establish the reform of the welfare system as a critical priority for the State and all of its agencies. Cooperation and innovation within and among all state agencies is necessary for the achievement of this goal. The office of the governor shall designate the lead agency for purposes of coordination and the avoidance, where practical, of duplication of services. The State Department of Social Services is mandated to fundamentally change its economic services operation to emphasize employment and training with a minor welfare component. To that end, the department shall expand its employment and training program statewide and shall, to the extent possible, coordinate with the existing resources of other state agencies when they are available and it is cost efficient to do so. The agency shall assist welfare recipients to maximize their strengths and abilities to become gainfully employed. Welfare assistance must be provided as a stipend to a family unit as long as there is satisfactory participation in required employment and training activities.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-610 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 43-5-610
SECTION 43-5-610. Maintenance of central registry of records; availability of records.
Status: repealed

(A) A State Case Registry must be maintained in the department that contains records with respect to: (1) each case in which services are being provided by the department pursuant to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act; and (2) each support order established or modified in the State after September 30, 1998. (B) These records shall include standardized data elements for both parents or guardian including names, social security numbers and other uniform identification numbers, dates of birth, and case identification numbers, and contain other information as state and federal regulations may require. (C) Any records maintained pursuant to this section are available only to the Child Support Enforcement Division of the Department of Social Services, public welfare offices, central registries in other states, the Federal Parent Locator Service, offices of the clerks of court, and courts having jurisdiction in support or abandonment proceedings or actions and only for the purposes for which the records have been maintained. (D) This section remains in effect until the federal mandate requiring a state case registry is repealed.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-33-210 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / Article 3 / Section 43-33-210
SECTION 43-33-210. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this article: "Handicapped" shall mean any person who is visually impaired, legally blind, deaf or hearing-impaired, has a disability of incoordination or palsy resulting from brain, spinal or peripheral nerve damage, has an amputation of upper extremities, or is otherwise disabled in such a way as to interfere with his ability to use written or visual material. "Visually impaired" shall mean any person with a visual acuity not exceeding 20⁄70 to 20⁄200 in his better eye with correcting lenses. "Legally blind" shall mean any person with a visual acuity not exceeding 20⁄200 in his better eye with correcting lenses, or with a limitation in the field of vision such that the widest diameter of his visual field subtends an angle not greater than twenty degrees. "Test" shall mean any written psychometric instrument designed to measure the aptitude, achievement or intelligence of a person being screened for employment or promotion. "Agency" shall mean any State agency, department or institution.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-45-10 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 45 / Section 43-45-10
SECTION 43-45-10. Citation of chapter.
Status: in_force

This chapter is known and may be cited as "The Community Economic Opportunity Act of 1983".
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-41-130 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 41 / Section 43-41-130
SECTION 43-41-130. Regular and special meetings; quorum.
Status: in_force

Any action required of the commission may be taken at any regular or special meeting, and at such meeting fifty percent of the total membership of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-25-70 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 25 / Section 43-25-70
SECTION 43-25-70. Concession stands.
Status: in_force

The commission is empowered to operate concession stands in any State, county or municipal building and in any State park and shall negotiate with the proper agency or governing body regarding the establishment of a concession on such property. In buildings where a stand existed on May 25, 1940, the person who was then operating such a stand shall not be removed, but when such operator ceases to operate such stand the concession for further operation shall be granted to the commission. No rental or other charge shall be required by the commission for the granting of an operation permit. Any rental payment or commission charged by the owner of private property for the location of such a stand shall be collected from the operator of the stand by the commission. No charge shall be made for the installation or operation of a concession stand or for the maintenance of equipment of a concession stand regardless of location.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-190 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-190
SECTION 43-1-190. Depositories; security for deposits.
Status: in_force

The director may select the depositories for its funds pending the clearing of assistance checks and require such security on such deposits as it shall deem practicable.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1160 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1160
SECTION 43-5-1160. Relocation assistance.
Status: in_force

The department may provide, as appropriate, relocation assistance to families who live in communities where few job opportunities exist. Assistance may be provided to assist recipients in accessing jobs which maximize their skills and abilities.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1215 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1215
SECTION 43-5-1215. Welfare recipients under age eighteen must attend school.
Status: in_force

Welfare recipients under the age of eighteen must be enrolled and maintain satisfactory attendance, as defined by the Department of Education, in school as a condition of eligibility for benefits.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-21-40 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 21 / Section 43-21-40
SECTION 43-21-40. Department shall be State agency to implement and administer aging programs of Federal Government; powers and duties generally.
Status: in_force

The department shall be the designated state agency to implement and administer all programs of the federal government relating to the aging, requiring acts within the State which are not the specific responsibility of another state agency under the provisions of federal or state law. The department may accept and disburse any funds available or which might become available pursuant to the purposes of this chapter. The department shall study, investigate, plan, promote, and execute a program to meet the present and future needs of aging citizens of the State, and it shall receive the cooperation of other state departments and agencies in carrying out a coordinated program. It shall also be the duty of the department to encourage and assist in the development of programs for the aging in the counties and municipalities of this State. It shall consult and cooperate with public and voluntary groups, with county and municipal officers and agencies, and with any federal or state agency or officer for the purpose of promoting cooperation between state and local plans and programs, and between state and interstate plans and programs for the aging. Without limiting the foregoing, the department is specifically authorized to: (a) initiate requests for the investigation of potential resources and problems of the aging people of the State, encourage research programs, initiate pilot projects to demonstrate new services, and promote the training of personnel for work in the field of aging; (b) promote community education in the problems of older people through institutes, publications, radio, television, and the press; (c) cooperate with, encourage, and assist local groups, both public and voluntary, which are concerned with the problems of the aging; (d) encourage the cooperation of agencies in dealing with problems of the aging and offer assistance to voluntary groups in the fulfillment of their responsibility for the aging; (e) serve as a clearinghouse for information in the field of aging; (f) appoint such committees as it deems necessary for carrying out the purposes of this chapter, such committee members to serve without compensation; (g) engage in any other activity deemed necessary by the department to promote the health and well-being of the aging citizens of this State, not inconsistent with the purposes of this chapter or the public policies of the State; (h) certify homemakers and home health aides pursuant to the Federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 and subsequent amendments to that act and through regulations promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act establish and collect fees for the administration of this certification program. Fees collected must be placed on deposit with the State Treasurer. Accounting records must be maintained in accordance with the Comptroller General's policies and procedures. Unused fees may be carried forward to the next fiscal year for the same purpose; (i) award grants and contracts to public and private organizations for the purpose of planning, coordinating, administering, developing, and delivering aging programs and services; (j) designate area agencies on aging as required by the Older Americans Act; (k) administer the Senior Citizens Center Permanent Improvement Fund established pursuant to Section 12-21-3441 and community services programs in accordance with Section 12-21-3590. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, references to "Department on Aging" and "department" were substituted for "Division on Aging" and "division" to comply with amendments made by 2018 Act No. 261.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-26-40 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 26 / Section 43-26-40
SECTION 43-26-40. Licenses for operation of vending facilities; hearing and termination.
Status: in_force

In issuing licenses for the operation of vending facilities by blind persons, the commission shall give preference to applicants who are in need of employment. Licenses shall be issued only to applicants who are "blind persons" within the meaning of this chapter, who are eighteen years of age or older and are residents of this State. All licenses shall be for one year, but the commission may renew licenses upon application of the license holder prior to the expiration of the then existing license. A license may be terminated by the commission when the commission is satisfied that the vending facility is not being operated in accordance with the regulations promulgated by it. The commission shall be responsible for securing on behalf of its licensees the issuance of any license or permit required by another State agency or political subdivision of the State for the conduct of such business; but any such license shall be issued free of charge to a qualified blind person licensed by the commission. A hearing shall be granted by the commission if requested by the licensee. The license shall not be terminated unless a majority of all of the members of the commission after the hearing vote to terminate it.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-3-40 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 43-3-40
SECTION 43-3-40. County directors; selection; salaries; duties.
Status: in_force

(A) The director shall select a director for each county department, referred to in Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19, and 23 as the county director, to discharge the duties of such office and may select regional directors to oversee the county directors. The salaries of county directors and any regional directors shall be fixed by the director. In fixing these salaries the director shall consider the individual qualifications of the respective directors and the possibilities of their individual positions. The county director shall be the chief executive officer of the county department and shall perform duties as are directed by the director, regional director, or as directed by law. (B) Regional and county directors serve at the pleasure of the Director of the State Department of Social Services.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-21-80 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 21 / Section 43-21-80
SECTION 43-21-80. Appointment and compensation of personnel and consultants.
Status: in_force

The director shall appoint any other personnel and consultants considered necessary for the efficient performance of the duties prescribed by this chapter and shall fix the compensation therefore in accordance with the Human Resource Management Division of the State Department of Administration and Merit System requirements. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, references in this section to the offices of the former State Budget and Control Board, Office of the Governor, or other agencies, were changed to reflect the transfer of them to the Department of Administration or other entities, pursuant to the directive of the South Carolina Restructuring Act, 2014 Act No. 121, SECTION 5(D)(1), effective July 1, 2015.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-31-170 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-31-170
SECTION 43-31-170. Training and experience requirements for counselors.
Status: in_force

A counselor for the state agency of Vocational Rehabilitation shall have: (1) a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling; (2) a Master's degree in the field of counseling with a graduate course in theories and techniques of counseling; or (3) a Master's degree in any discipline and at least eighteen documented hours of coursework at the Master's level or above within thirty months of the date of hire including: (a) one graduate course with a primary focus on the theories and techniques of counseling; (b) three graduate courses, each with a primary focus on one of the following areas: (i) occupational information; (ii) job development and placement; (iii) medical aspects of disabilities; (iv) foundations of rehabilitation; (v) psychological aspects of disabilities; (vi) personal and vocational adjustment; and (c) two graduate courses, each with a primary focus on one of the following areas: (i) assessment; (ii) research methodology; (iii) vocational and career development; (iv) community resources; (v) case management; (vi) delivery of rehabilitation services; or (4) a current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certificate, regardless of degree.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-47-120 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 47 / Section 43-47-120
SECTION 43-47-120. Action by regular or special meeting; quorum.
Status: in_force

Action required of the commission may be taken at a regular or special meeting, and at the meeting fifty percent of the total membership constitutes a quorum.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1125 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1125
SECTION 43-5-1125. Sanctions for failing to comply with welfare agreement.
Status: in_force

(A) To emphasize the necessity of each family achieving independence and self-sufficiency, if an AFDC recipient fails without good cause to comply with the employment and training requirements contained in the agreement entered into between the recipient and the State Department of Social Services, the department shall: (1) grant a thirty-day conciliation period for the recipient to reconsider the decision not to comply with the terms of the agreement. During this thirty-day period, the recipient has the right to appeal the department's decision to impose sanctions. At the end of this thirty-day period if the conciliation/fair hearing decision was not in the recipient's favor, all AFDC benefits must be terminated. Benefits may be reinstated when the recipient agrees to comply according to the terms of the agreement and demonstrates willingness to comply by participating in the employment and training program for a period of thirty days; (2) terminate all AFDC benefits if the recipient completes the training requirements contained in the agreement and then refuses an offer of employment. (B) A recipient is not required to comply with the employment and training provisions of the agreement if the recipient is: (1) a parent or caretaker relative with a child under one year of age; however, custodial parents under age twenty-five who have not completed their high school education are required to comply with these provisions regardless of the age of the child; (2) at least six months pregnant and the pregnancy is verified by a qualified licensed health care provider; (3) incapacitated and the incapacity is verified by a physician, and if the department considers it necessary, confirmed by an assessment performed by the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, as a physical or mental impairment that prevents the recipient from engaging in gainful employment or participating in education or training; (4) caring for an incapacitated person whose incapacity has been verified by a physician and, if the department considers it necessary, confirmed by an assessment performed by the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation; (5) unable to participate because child care and reasonable transportation were not provided when needed for participation in employment and training programs.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-47-20 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 47 / Section 43-47-20
SECTION 43-47-20. Commission declared body politic and corporate; membership not office of honor or profit.
Status: in_force

The commission is declared to be a body politic and corporate and may exercise all its rights and privileges. Membership on the commission is not an office of honor or profit.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1245 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1245
SECTION 43-5-1245. Federal child care funds must be sought.
Status: in_force

All federal child care funds are needed to ensure that AFDC families can participate successfully in the AFDC program. The State should make every effort to obtain these funds.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-510 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 5 / Section 43-35-510
SECTION 43-35-510. Policy of State regarding health and safety of vulnerable adults.
Status: in_force

It is the policy of this State that: (1) Every vulnerable adult is entitled to live in safety and in health. (2) Responding to deaths of vulnerable adults is a state and a community responsibility. (3) When a vulnerable adult dies, the response by the State and the community to the death must include an accurate and complete determination of the cause of death, the provision of services to surviving family members, and the development and implementation of measures to prevent future deaths from similar causes and may include court action, including prosecution of persons who may be responsible for the death and family court proceedings to protect other vulnerable adults in the care of the responsible person. (4) Professionals from disparate disciplines and agencies that have responsibilities for vulnerable adults and expertise that can promote safety and well-being of vulnerable adults should share their expertise and knowledge toward the goals of determining the causes of deaths of vulnerable adults, planning and providing services to nonoffending family members, and preventing future vulnerable adult deaths. (5) A greater understanding of the incidence and causes of deaths of vulnerable adults is necessary if the State is to prevent future vulnerable adult deaths. (6) Multidisciplinary and multiagency reviews of vulnerable adult deaths can assist the State in the investigation of vulnerable adult deaths, in the development of a greater understanding of the incidence and causes of vulnerable adult deaths and the methods for preventing such deaths, and in identifying gaps in services to vulnerable adults and families. (7) Access to information regarding vulnerable adults and their families is necessary to achieve the mandates and purposes of this article. (8) Competent investigative services must be sensitive to the needs of South Carolina's vulnerable adults and their families and not be unnecessarily intrusive and should be achieved through training, awareness, and technical assistance.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-33-10 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / Article 1 / Section 43-33-10
SECTION 43-33-10. Declaration of policy.
Status: in_force

It is the policy of this State to encourage and enable the blind, the visually handicapped, and the otherwise physically disabled to participate fully in the social and economic life of the State and to engage in remunerative employment.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-43-40 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 43 / Section 43-43-40
SECTION 43-43-40. Apportionment of membership between counties.
Status: in_force

The eighteen members of the commission shall be residents of the areas to which their membership is apportioned, and the total membership shall be divided among the participating counties as follows: 1. Dillon County: nine members 2. Marion County: nine members The membership from each county must be constituted as provided for in Section 43-43-30.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1130 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1130
SECTION 43-5-1130. County departmental goals for hiring welfare recipients.
Status: in_force

To emphasize the importance of education, training, and employment in restructuring the welfare system, the department shall establish goals for the placement and retention of AFDC recipients in employment programs for each county welfare office. These goals must be reflected in the Employee Performance Evaluation of all appropriate department employees.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-3-10 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 43-3-10
SECTION 43-3-10. County departments and boards of social services; creation; membership; appointment; terms; vacancies; termination.
Status: in_force

(A) There is created in each county of the State a county department of social services, referred to in Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 as the county department, and in each county a county board of social services, referred to in Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 as the county board, to be composed of not less than three nor more than nine members. Each county board serves in an advisory capacity to the director of the county department of social services. The members of each county board must be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of a majority, including the Senator, of the county legislative delegation. The terms of the members are for three years and until their successors have been appointed and qualify. In case of a vacancy caused by death, removal, resignation, or otherwise, the vacancy must be filled as provided in this section, but only for the unexpired term. In Berkeley County, appointments made pursuant to this section are governed by the provisions of Act 159 of 1995. In Dorchester County, appointments made pursuant to this section are governed by the provisions of Act 512 of 1996. In Georgetown County, appointments made pursuant to this section are governed by the provisions of Act 515 of 1996. (B) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (A), a county legislative delegation, in its sole discretion, has the authority, by written resolution, to terminate its respective county board of social services by a two-thirds vote, based on weighted voting percentages of the county legislative delegation. Editor's Note By a Ordinance No. 96-5-15, dated October 2, 1996, the Berkeley County Council has notified the Code Commissioner that it accepts the responsibility and authority for making the appointments provided in Act 159 of 1995 which were formerly made by the Berkeley County Legislative Delegation pursuant to the authority of this section. By Resolution 96-07, dated July 15, 1996, the Dorchester County Council has notified the Code Commissioner that it accepts the responsibility and authority for making the appointments provided in Act 512 of 1996 which were formerly made by the Dorchester County Legislative Delegation pursuant to the authority of this section. By a resolution dated August 13, 1996, the Georgetown County Council has notified the Code Commissioner that it accepts the responsibility and authority for making the appointments provided in Act 515 of 1996 which were formerly made by the Georgetown County Legislative Delegation pursuant to the authority of this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-85 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 43-35-85
SECTION 43-35-85. Penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) A person required to report under this chapter who knowingly and wilfully fails to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than twenty-five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year. (B) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (E) and (F), a person who knowingly and wilfully abuses a vulnerable adult is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than five years. (C) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (E) and (F), a person who knowingly and wilfully neglects a vulnerable adult is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than five years. (D) A person who knowingly and wilfully exploits a vulnerable adult is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both, and may be required by the court to make restitution. (E) A person who knowingly and wilfully abuses or neglects a vulnerable adult resulting in great bodily injury is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than fifteen years. (F) A person who knowingly and wilfully abuses or neglects a vulnerable adult resulting in death is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than thirty years. (G) A person who threatens, intimidates, or attempts to intimidate a vulnerable adult subject of a report, a witness, or any other person cooperating with an investigation conducted pursuant to this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than three years. (H) A person who wilfully and knowingly obstructs or in any way impedes an investigation conducted pursuant to this chapter, upon conviction, is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than three years. (I) As used in this section, "great bodily injury" means bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-21-70 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 21 / Section 43-21-70
SECTION 43-21-70. Employment of director.
Status: in_force

The Governor shall appoint with the advice and consent of the Senate a director to be the administrative officer of the Department on Aging who shall serve at the Governor's pleasure and who is subject to removal pursuant to the provisions of Section 1-3-240. Effect of Amendment 2018 Act No. 261, SECTION 10, rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-25 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-25
SECTION 43-5-25. Wilful use of payment for purpose not in best interests of child; protective payee.
Status: in_force

Any person, other than a needy child, who wilfully and knowingly receives or uses any part of a payment of aid to dependent children for a purpose other than in the best interest of the needy children and any eligible caretaker is deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than one year or both. If such misuse occurs, a protective payee will be appointed in accordance with Section 43-5-65 to manage assistance funds intended for the otherwise eligible child.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-70 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-70
SECTION 43-1-70. Selection of other employees of State Department; compensation; bond.
Status: in_force

The director may appoint and employ such other officers and employees as are authorized and may be necessary to perform the duties placed upon the department by law, and the director shall fix their compensation unless the General Assembly shall do so, but in no event shall the director expend any sums for purposes unauthorized by law. All such compensation shall be fixed by the state department, which shall submit to the State Budget and Control Board all proposed salaries not fixed by law, and the State Budget and Control Board shall pass upon such salaries so that the amounts paid shall be in keeping with the salaries paid to other state employees for similar service and duties. The director may require such officers and employees to furnish bonds in such amounts as it may determine. The selection of such officers and employees shall be made entirely upon the qualification and merit of the individuals so employed. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, reference in this section to the former Budget and Control Board has not been changed pursuant to the directive of the South Carolina Restructuring Act, 2014 Act No. 121, SECTION 5(D)(1), until further action by the General Assembly.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-39-30 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 39 / Section 43-39-30
SECTION 43-39-30. Composition of membership; authorization to increase total membership; apportionment of new seats.
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall be composed of twenty-one members and shall be so constituted that: (1) one-third of the members of the commission are elected public officials, or their representatives, unless the number of such officials reasonably available or willing to serve is less than one-third of the membership of the commission; (2) at least one-third of the members are persons chosen in accordance with democratic selection procedures adequate to assure that they are representative of the poor in the areas served; and (3) the remainder of the members are officials or members of business, industry, labor, religious, welfare, education, or other major groups and interests in the areas served. (b) The commission shall be authorized to increase the total membership, if necessary, to comply with the provisions of SECTION 43-39-80, or to meet additional federal requirements, provided, however, that any such increase shall be accomplished in multiples of three in order to retain the basic structure of the commission as provided for in subsection (a). (c) In the event the commission membership is increased under the provisions of SECTION 43-39-80, the three new seats shall be apportioned by the commission among the participating counties, to include a seat for the petitioning group, according to federal regulatory measures promulgated under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 (PL 92-424), and the Headstart, Economic Opportunity, and Community Partnership Act of 1974 (PL 93-644).
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-245 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-245
SECTION 43-5-245. Time and forms for submission of plans for operating program; execution of contract upon approval.
Status: in_force

(a) The department shall prescribe the time at and the form on which the counties and judicial districts shall submit to the department annual plans for the total staff and equipment needs and annual estimates of the expenditures of the county for the staffing and operations of the child support program for the coming agreement year. (b) Upon approval of an annual plan and the estimated expenditures for an improved program, the department shall enter into a contract pursuant to Section 43-5-235.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-470 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 43-5-470
SECTION 43-5-470. Federal funds for aid to dependent children.
Status: in_force

The State Treasurer shall receive and deposit in the State Treasury any Federal funds allotted to the State under Section 403 of Title IV of the Federal Social Security Act, or otherwise, for aid to dependent children. Such sums shall be kept by the State Treasurer in a dependent children's aid account. Editor's Note This section was formerly SECTION 20-7-2510.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-31-140 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-31-140
SECTION 43-31-140. Appropriations.
Status: in_force

The General Assembly shall appropriate for vocational rehabilitation such sums as are necessary, along with available Federal and other funds, to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-80 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 43-35-80
SECTION 43-35-80. Action by Attorney General against person or facility for failure to exercise reasonable care; fine.
Status: in_force

(A) Notwithstanding any regulatory or administrative penalty that may be assessed and in addition to a private civil cause of action that may be brought against a person or facility based on an action or failure to act that otherwise constitutes abuse, neglect, or exploitation under this chapter, the Attorney General, upon referral from the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program or the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit, may bring an action against a person who fails through pattern or practice to exercise reasonable care in hiring, training, or supervising facility personnel or in staffing or operating a facility, and this failure results in the commission of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or any other crime against a vulnerable adult in a facility. A person or facility which verifies good standing of the employee with the appropriate licensure or accrediting entity is rebuttably presumed to have acted reasonably regarding the hiring. (B) In granting relief under this section, the court may assess a civil fine of not more than thirty thousand dollars or order injunctive relief, or both, and may order other relief as the court considers appropriate. (C) Nothing in this section may be construed to create a private cause of action against one who fails through pattern or practice to exercise reasonable care as provided for in subsection (A). (D) For the purposes of this section 'person' means any natural person, corporation, joint venture, partnership, unincorporated association, or other business entity. (E) To the extent fines collected pursuant to this section exceed the cost of litigation, these fines must be credited to the Adult Protective Services Emergency Fund and may be carried forward from one fiscal year to the next.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-41-30 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 41 / Section 43-41-30
SECTION 43-41-30. Composition of membership; authorization to increase total membership; apportionment of new seats.
Status: in_force

(A) The commission must be composed of twenty-one members in accordance with federal law appointed by the governing bodies of the counties enumerated in Section 43-41-40 and must be so constituted that: (1) one-third of the members of the commission are elected public officials or their representatives, unless the number of these officials reasonably available or willing to serve is less than one-third of the membership of the commission; (2) at least one-third of the members are persons chosen in accordance with democratic selection procedures adequate to assure that they are representative of the poor in the areas served; and (3) the remainder of the members are officials or members of business, industry, labor, religious, welfare, education, or other major groups and interests in the areas served. (B) The commission may increase in multiples of three in the total membership if necessary to comply with Section 43-41-80 or to meet additional federal requirements. (C) If the commission membership is increased under Section 43-41-80, the three new seats must be apportioned by the commission among the participating counties, to include a seat for the petitioning group, according to federal regulatory measures promulgated under federal law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-13 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 43-35-13
SECTION 43-35-13. Nonmedical remedial treatment by spiritual means is not abuse or neglect of vulnerable adult.
Status: in_force

No vulnerable adult may be considered to be abused or neglected for the sole reason that, in lieu of medical treatment, the vulnerable adult is being furnished nonmedical remedial treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone which the vulnerable adult has practiced freely in accordance with his religion.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-47-50 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 47 / Section 43-47-50
SECTION 43-47-50. Term of office.
Status: in_force

The terms of office are for two years, except no public official may continue to serve if he ends his term as a public official. No member of the commission selected under Section 43-47-30(A)(2) or (3) may serve for more than five consecutive years nor more than a total of ten years.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-21-180 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 21 / Section 43-21-180
SECTION 43-21-180. Portion of fund available for disbursement.
Status: in_force

Funds deposited in the trust fund and all earnings from the investment of these funds, after allowances for operating expenses, are available for disbursement upon authorization of the department. However, in any year in which more than two hundred thousand dollars is deposited in the trust fund, twenty-five percent of the amount over two hundred thousand dollars and earnings from the investment of these funds must be placed in a separate account. When the assets of this separate account exceed five million dollars, no further deposits are required to be made to the separate account and all future earnings from the investment of the monies in this separate account also are available for distribution upon authorization of the department. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, references to "Department on Aging" and "department" were substituted for "Division on Aging" and "division" to comply with amendments made by 2018 Act No. 261.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-33-510 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 33 / Article 7 / Section 43-33-510
SECTION 43-33-510. Short title.
Status: in_force

This article may be cited as the South Carolina Bill of Rights for Handicapped Persons.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-530 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 5 / Section 43-35-530
SECTION 43-35-530. Conduct of investigations.
Status: in_force

Upon receipt of a report of a vulnerable adult death, as required by Section 17-5-555 or Section 43-35-35, the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division shall: (1) investigate and gather all information on the vulnerable adult fatality pursuant to Section 43-35-520. The coroner or medical examiner immediately must request an autopsy if the unit determines that an autopsy is necessary. The autopsy must be performed by a pathologist with forensic training as soon as possible. The forensic pathologist must inform the unit of the findings within forty-eight hours of completion of the autopsy. If the autopsy reveals the cause of death to be pathological or an unavoidable accident, the case must be closed by the unit. If the autopsy reveals physical or sexual trauma, suspicious markings, or other findings that are questionable or yields no conclusion to the cause of death, the unit immediately must begin an investigation; (2) request assistance of any other local, county, or state agency to aid in the investigation; (3) upon receipt of additional investigative information, reopen a case for another coroner's inquest; (4) upon receipt of the notification required by item (1), review agency records for information regarding the deceased vulnerable adult or family. Information available to the department pursuant to Section 43-35-570 and information that is public under Chapter 4, Title 30, the Freedom of Information Act, must be available as needed to the county coroner or medical examiner, the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Adult Protective Services Program of the Department of Social Services; (5) report the activities and findings related to vulnerable adult deaths to the Vulnerable Adults Fatalities Review Committee; and (6) develop a protocol for vulnerable adult death investigations.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-3-90 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 43-3-90
SECTION 43-3-90. Standards of work, procedure and records of county directors.
Status: in_force

The respective county directors shall maintain such standards of work, procedure and records as are required by the state director in the discharge of their functions or in the use of any funds provided by the state department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-45 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 43-35-45
SECTION 43-35-45. Warrant from family court to permit investigation of report; order for protective services; appointment of guardian and attorney; evaluation; hearing; review; semiannual reevaluation; payment for services.
Status: in_force

(A) In investigating a report if consent cannot be obtained for access to the vulnerable adult or the premises, the investigative entity may seek a warrant from the family court to enter and inspect and photograph the premises and the condition of the vulnerable adult. The court shall issue a warrant upon a showing of probable cause that the vulnerable adult has been abused, neglected, or exploited or is at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. (B) At any time during or subsequent to an investigation where a vulnerable adult is at substantial risk to be or has been abused, neglected, or exploited and consent to provide services cannot be obtained, the Adult Protective Services Program may petition the family court for an order to provide protective services. In those cases requiring emergency protective services or emergency removal of the vulnerable adult from the place the adult is located or residing, the Adult Protective Services Program may seek ex parte relief. The court may expedite the ex parte proceeding to any extent necessary to protect the vulnerable adult. The family court may order ex parte that the vulnerable adult be taken into emergency protective custody without the consent of the vulnerable adult or the guardian or others exercising temporary or permanent control over the vulnerable adult, if the court determines there is probable cause to believe that by reason of abuse or neglect there exists an imminent danger to the vulnerable adult's life or physical safety. The court also may order emergency services or other relief as necessary to protect the vulnerable adult. (C) Within ten days following the filing of a petition pursuant to this section, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem and an attorney for the vulnerable adult and an attorney for a lay guardian ad litem. A party may move to have the guardian ad litem relieved of his or her services if the party demonstrates that the vulnerable adult has the capacity to assist counsel in the protective services case. Within forty days of the filing of a petition, the court shall hold a hearing on the merits. (D) Before the hearing on the merits the Adult Protective Services Program must conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the vulnerable adult. The evaluation must include, but is not limited to: (1) the vulnerable adult's current address and with whom the vulnerable adult is residing; (2) a list of all persons or agencies currently providing services to the vulnerable adult and the nature of these services; (3) a summary of services, if any, provided to the vulnerable adult by the Adult Protective Services Program; (4) if needed, a medical, psychological, social, vocational, or educational evaluation; (5) recommendations for protective services which would serve the best interests of the vulnerable adult; however, when these services are to be provided by another state agency, these recommendations must be developed in consultation with the other agency. A copy of the evaluation must be provided to the court, the guardian ad litem, and the attorney at least five working days before the hearing on the merits. Reasonable expenses incurred for evaluations required by this subsection must be paid by the Adult Protective Services Program which must seek reimbursement for these evaluations, where possible. (E) At the hearing on the merits, the court may order the Adult Protective Services Program to provide protective services if it finds that: (1) the vulnerable adult is at substantial risk of being or has been abused, neglected, or exploited and the vulnerable adult is unable to protect herself or himself; and (2) protective services are necessary to protect the vulnerable adult from the substantial risk of or from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. (F) Protective services ordered pursuant to this section must be provided in the least restrictive setting available and appropriate for the vulnerable adult and noninstitutional placement must be used whenever possible. Subsequently, if commitment to a treatment facility is required, the Adult Protective Services Program may initiate commitment proceedings. (G) Any interested person, on behalf of the vulnerable adult, may file a motion for review of the court order issued pursuant to this section. (H) Following a court order from the merits hearing to provide protective services to a vulnerable adult, the Adult Protective Services Program, at least every six months, must evaluate the vulnerable adult and submit a written report to the court, and any other parties required by the court, regarding the vulnerable adult's need for continued protective services as defined in this chapter. (I) If the court determines that the vulnerable adult is financially capable of paying for services ordered pursuant to this section, then payment by or from the financial resources of the vulnerable adult may be ordered. (J) In an action for exploitation or in which payment for protective services is in issue, upon its own motion or a motion of any party, the court may order that the vulnerable adult's financial records be made available on a certain day and time for inspection by the parties. (K) Expenses incurred by the Adult Protective Services Program on behalf of a vulnerable adult that have not been reimbursed at the time of the vulnerable adult's death become a claim against the estate of the vulnerable adult. (L) Payments for which a vulnerable adult is responsible or for which the Adult Protective Services Program is to be reimbursed only include payments to third parties and do not include personnel or operating expenses of the Adult Protective Services Program. Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 162, SECTION 2, rewrote subsection (C).
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-175 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-175
SECTION 43-5-175. Effect of state department's decision on county department.
Status: in_force

All decisions of the state department shall be binding upon the county department involved and shall be complied with by such county department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-39-130 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 39 / Section 43-39-130
SECTION 43-39-130. Regular and special meetings; quorum.
Status: in_force

Any action required of the commission may be taken at any regular or special meeting, and at such meeting fifty percent of the total membership shall constitute a quorum.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-39-60 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 39 / Section 43-39-60
SECTION 43-39-60. Terms of office.
Status: in_force

The terms of office shall be for two years, provided that no public official shall continue to serve if he ceases to be a public official. No member of the commission selected under item (2) and item (3) of SECTION 43-39-30 shall serve for more than five consecutive years, nor more than a total of ten years.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-31-50 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-31-50
SECTION 43-31-50. Chairman of Agency; meetings; compensation of members.
Status: in_force

The agency shall elect a chairman and shall meet quarterly in regular session and on call by the chairman when necessary for the transaction of agency business. Agency members shall receive such per diem and mileage as is provided by law for members of boards, commissions and committees.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1255 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1255
SECTION 43-5-1255. Adult education initiatives.
Status: in_force

The Department of Social Services in conjunction with the Department of Education shall: (1) ensure that existing continuing education and adult education programs are designed to advance AFDC clients in attaining self-sufficiency and that the location, scheduling, and other mechanics of these programs are structured so as to maximize access by AFDC clients; (2) endorse and promote school-to-work transition programs to link at-risk secondary school students to the workplace and to appropriate work related post-secondary education.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-595 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 5 / Section 43-35-595
SECTION 43-35-595. Promulgation of regulations.
Status: in_force

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division may promulgate regulations if necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this article.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-25-50 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 25 / Section 43-25-50
SECTION 43-25-50. Eye examinations and medical and surgical treatment for visually handicapped persons; reports of results.
Status: in_force

The commission may arrange for the examination of the eyes of visually handicapped persons and may secure and pay for medical and surgical treatment for such persons whenever in the judgment of an ophthalmologist the eyes of such person may be benefited thereby. Whenever, upon examination by an ophthalmologist any person is found to have no vision or vision with glasses which is so defective as to prevent the performance of ordinary activities for which eyesight is essential, such examining ophthalmologist shall, within thirty days, report the results of the examination to the commission.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-350 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 43-5-350
SECTION 43-5-350. Grant of assistance; amount.
Status: in_force

Upon the completion of the investigation the county department shall decide whether the applicant is eligible for assistance under the provisions of this article. The amount of assistance which any such person shall receive shall be determined by the county department with due regard to the resources and necessary expenditures and the conditions existing in each case, in accordance with the rules and regulations made by the State Department and, within available annual appropriations, shall be sufficient when added to all other income and support of the applicant to provide such person with a reasonable subsistence compatible with decency and health.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-3-20 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 43-3-20
SECTION 43-3-20. Compensation of members of county boards.
Status: in_force

Members of the county boards shall receive the same mileage as is provided by law for state boards, committees and commissions for travel in attending meetings and a per diem, the total per diem not to exceed seventy-five dollars per year.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-41-120 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 41 / Section 43-41-120
SECTION 43-41-120. Fiscal year; audit; annual report.
Status: in_force

The commission shall conduct its affairs on the fiscal year basis of April first to March thirty-first. As shortly after the close of its fiscal year as may be practicable an audit of its affairs shall be made by a certified public accountant in good standing to be designated by the commission. Copies of such audit, incorporated into an annual report of the commission, shall be filed with the legislative delegations and the governing bodies of each participating county.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-38-20 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 38 / Section 43-38-20
SECTION 43-38-20. Long Term Care Ombudsman Program authorized to investigate complaints; release and disclosure of information from medical records; issuance of report and recommendations.
Status: in_force

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is authorized to investigate any problem or complaint on behalf of any interested party or any client, patient, or resident of any facility as defined in this chapter. In carrying out the investigation, he may request and receive written statements, documents, exhibits, and other items pertinent to the investigation. These items include medical records of a general hospital in which a client, patient, or resident has been treated during the period under investigation. General hospitals are authorized to release the medical records to the ombudsman upon his written request without the necessity of patient authorization. Any files maintained by the ombudsman program shall be disclosed only at the discretion of the ombudsman having authority over the disposition of such files, except that the identity, disease, or illness of any complainant or resident of a long term care facility shall not be disclosed by such ombudsman unless: (i) such complainant or resident, or his legal representative, consents in writing to such disclosure; or (ii) such disclosure is required by court order. Following the investigation he may issue such report and recommendations as in his opinion will assist in improving the facility under investigation.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-47-70 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 47 / Section 43-47-70
SECTION 43-47-70. Petition for membership by inadequately represented groups; federal guidelines to govern; increase of membership for added seat.
Status: in_force

The commission shall establish procedures under which community agencies or organizations and representative groups of the poor which feel themselves inadequately represented on the commission may petition for adequate membership. In this regard, the commission is governed by the federal regulations and guidelines promulgated under Public Law 92-424, as amended, and Public Law 93-644. If the commission finds that a petition for membership is meritorious and a seat is warranted, the membership must be increased as provided for in Section 43-47-30(B).
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-43-70 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 43 / Section 43-43-70
SECTION 43-43-70. Compensation; vacancies.
Status: in_force

Members of the commission shall serve without compensation except as otherwise provided for by appropriate federal authorization. In the event of a vacancy on the commission it shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by selection and appointment in the same manner as provided for the original appointments.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-7-280 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 43-7-280
SECTION 43-7-280. Deduction from payments for employer's services.
Status: in_force

Every employer shall be allowed to deduct and retain from the amount of the payment, one dollar from each monthly payment made to petitioner to reimburse him for services rendered in the action.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-38-10 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 38 / Section 43-38-10
SECTION 43-38-10. Facility defined.
Status: in_force

For purposes of this chapter "facility" means public health centers and tuberculosis, mental, chronic disease and all other types of public or private hospitals and related facilities such as outpatient facilities, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, residential care facilities, facilities for persons with developmental disabilities and community mental health centers, including facilities for alcoholics and narcotic addicts but shall not include general hospitals which treat acute injuries or illnesses.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-35 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 43-35-35
SECTION 43-35-35. Reporting deaths where abuse or neglect suspected.
Status: in_force

(A) A person required to report or investigate cases under this chapter who has reasonable suspicion to believe that a vulnerable adult died as a result of abuse or neglect shall report the death and suspected cause of death to the coroner or medical examiner. The coroner or medical examiner shall conduct an investigation and may conduct or order an autopsy. The coroner or medical examiner must report the investigative findings to the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. (B) All deaths involving a vulnerable adult in a facility operated or contracted for operation by the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, or their contractors must be referred to the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for investigation pursuant to Section 43-35-520. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, certain references in the S.C. Code to the State Department of Mental Health, South Carolina Mental Health Commission, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs Commission, Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, and other related terms were changed to reflect the restructuring of these agencies into component offices under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, pursuant to 2025 Act No. 3, SECTION 18.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-21-120 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 21 / Section 43-21-120
SECTION 43-21-120. Coordinating council.
Status: in_force

There is created the Coordinating Council to the Department on Aging to work with the department on the coordination of programs related to the field of aging, and to advise and make pertinent recommendations, composed of the following: the Director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control, the State Director of Social Services, the Office Director of the Office of Mental Health, the Superintendent of Education, the Director of the State Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, the Executive Director of the South Carolina State Department of Employment and Workforce, the Secretary of Commerce, the Commissioner of the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Director of the Clemson University Extension Service, the Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, the Director of the South Carolina Retirement System, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Municipal Association, the Executive Director of the State Office of Economic Opportunity, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of Counties, the Commissioner of the Commission for the Blind, the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Office Director of the Office of Substance Use Services, and the Chairperson of the Commission on Women. The council shall meet at least once each six months and special meetings may be called at the discretion of the chairman or upon request of a majority of the members. The chairman of the advisory commission and the director of the Department on Aging, who shall serve as secretary to the council, shall attend the meetings of the council. The director of each agency or department making up the council shall serve as chairman of the council for a term of one year. The office of chairman is held in the order in which the membership of the council is listed in this section. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, certain references in the S.C. Code to the State Department of Mental Health, South Carolina Mental Health Commission, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs Commission, Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, and other related terms were changed to reflect the restructuring of these agencies into component offices under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, pursuant to 2025 Act No. 3, SECTION 18. At the direction of the Code Commissioner, references to "Department on Aging" and "department" were substituted for "Division on Aging" and "division" to comply with amendments made by 2018 Act No. 261.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-440 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 43-5-440
SECTION 43-5-440. Grant for aid; denial of aid; appeal.
Status: in_force

If such child is found to be in need, the county department shall grant such aid as may be necessary for the support of such child in his own home or in the home of one of his relatives as set forth in this article, in a manner compatible with decency and health. In case application for aid for a dependent child is rejected by the county department, appeal may be made to the State Department as elsewhere provided in this article. Editor's Note This section was formerly SECTION 20-7-2480.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-45-80 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 45 / Section 43-45-80
SECTION 43-45-80. Purposes for which funds may be utilized.
Status: in_force

Each community-based organization which receives funds pursuant to this chapter must utilize the funds in the planning, administration, and evaluation of antipoverty programs designed to assist participants including, but not limited to, elderly and poor, to: A. Secure and retain meaningful employment. B. Attain an adequate education. C. Make better use of available income. D. Obtain and maintain adequate housing and a suitable living environment. E. Obtain emergency assistance through loans or guarantees to meet the immediate and urgent individual and family needs, including the need for health services, nutritious food, housing, employment-related assistance, and energy assistance. F. Remove obstacles and solve family problems which block the achievement of self-sufficiency. G. Achieve greater participation in the affairs of the community. H. Make more effective use of other programs related to the purposes of this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-145 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-145
SECTION 43-5-145. Investigation of application.
Status: in_force

Investigation of each application shall be made by the county departments as provided in Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19, and 23 or as required by the state department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-43-120 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 43 / Section 43-43-120
SECTION 43-43-120. Fiscal year; audit; annual report.
Status: in_force

The commission shall conduct its affairs on the fiscal year basis of July first to June thirtieth. As shortly after the close of its fiscal year as may be practicable an audit of its affairs shall be made by a certified public accountant in good standing, to be designated by the commission. Copies of such audit, incorporated into an annual report of the commission, shall be filed with the legislative delegation and the county council of each participating county.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-39-110 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 39 / Section 43-39-110
SECTION 43-39-110. Exemption from taxation.
Status: in_force

All property of the commission shall be exempt from all ad valorem taxes levied by the counties represented on the commission or any municipality therein, or any division, subdivision or agency thereof directly or indirectly.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-45-60 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 45 / Section 43-45-60
SECTION 43-45-60. Capabilities required of community-based organizations.
Status: in_force

Each community-based organization must have the capability, as determined by the state administering agency, of carrying out: A. Strengthening community capabilities for planning and coordinating federal, state, and other assistance through the efforts of local officials, organizations, and interested and affected citizens who are more responsive to local needs and conditions. B. Better organization of services related to the needs of the poor so that these services may be made more effective in helping families and individuals. C. Greater use subject to adequate evaluation of new types of services and innovative approaches in attacking causes of poverty so as to develop increasingly effective methods of employing available resources. D. Development and implementation of all programs and projects designed to serve the poor or low-income areas with the maximum feasible participation of residents of the areas and members of groups served so as to best stimulate and take full advantage of capabilities for self-development and assure that those programs and projects are meaningful and utilized by intended beneficiaries. E. Broadening of the resource-based programs directed to the amelioration of poverty so as to secure, in addition to the services and assistance of public officials, private, religious, charitable, and neighborhood organizations, and individual citizens, a more active role for business, labor, and professional groups in order to provide employment opportunities and otherwise influence the quantity and quality of services of concern to the poor. F. Conform to such supplementary criteria as a state administering agency may prescribe to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-330 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 3 / Section 43-35-330
SECTION 43-35-330. Duties of council.
Status: in_force

(A) Duties of the council are subject to the appropriation of funding and allocation of personnel sufficient to carry out the functions of the council. Staffing for the council must be provided by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (B) Duties of the council are to: (1) provide and promote coordination and communication among groups and associations which may be affected by the council's actions and recommended changes in the system; (2) identify and promote training on critical issues in adult protection, facilitate arrangements for continuing education seminars and credits, when appropriate, and determine and target problem areas for training based on analysis of the data; (3) coordinate data collection and conduct analyses including periodic monitoring and evaluation of the incidence and prevalence of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (4) assist with problem resolution and facilitate interagency coordination of efforts to address unmet needs and gaps in the system; (5) promote and enhance public awareness; (6) promote prevention and intervention activities to ensure quality of care for vulnerable adults and their families; and (7) annually prepare a report of the council's activities and accomplishments for the calendar year and distribute the report to council members, the Chairman of the Medical Affairs Committee of the Senate, the Chairman of the Medical, Military and Municipal Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, directors or chairs of member agencies or entities who have a designee serving on the council, and other interested parties as well as publishing the report on the department's website.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-20 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-20
SECTION 43-5-20. Payments to support needy child and eligible caretaker; counseling for recipient where aid not being used in best interests of child; appointment of protective payee.
Status: in_force

(a) It is the intent of the General Assembly that all payments of aid to families with dependent children shall be utilized and managed in such manner as to support the needy child and his eligible caretaker. Such payments shall include current payments as well as any portion of past payments returned to a current or former recipient. (b) Whenever the department has reason to believe that any payment of aid to dependent children is not being or may not be used in the best interests of the child, the department shall provide counseling to the recipient and shall provide that continued failure to so use such payments after counseling has begun may result in the appointment of a protective payee in accordance with Section 43-5-65.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1110 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1110
SECTION 43-5-1110. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this article: (1) "Family Independence" or "Aid to Families with Dependent Children" or "FI" or "AFDC" means cash payments or stipends paid to individuals who meet established eligibility criteria. (2) "Department" means the South Carolina State Department of Social Services. (3) "Welfare" means cash assistance payments through the Family Independence program formerly known as the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program which must be provided as a stipend to assist families to become employed.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-340 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 43-5-340
SECTION 43-5-340. Investigation of application; visit to applicant's home.
Status: in_force

Whenever the county department receives an application for assistance under this article, an investigation and record shall promptly be made of the circumstances of the applicant in order to ascertain the facts supporting the application and in order to obtain such other information as may be required by the rules of the State Department. The investigation may include a visit to the home of the applicant if deemed necessary by the caseworker or supervisor.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-200 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-200
SECTION 43-1-200. Payment of salaries, expenses and assistance; lump sum requisitions.
Status: in_force

The director shall designate and authorize the proper officers and employees of the state department to issue its requisition upon the Comptroller General for the payment of salaries or other expenses in the administration of Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19, and 23. The Comptroller General shall draw his warrant upon the State Treasurer as directed by such requisition, and the State Treasurer shall pay such warrants by check or otherwise. In paying assistance granted to recipients in accordance with Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19, and 23, the State Department may include in one lump requisition the total amount it will require to meet monthly payments from the various funds set up under the provisions of Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 19, and 23 and disburse such assistance to the individual beneficiaries by its own checks, but attached to such lump sum requisition shall be a list of the beneficiaries and the amounts for each making up the total requisitioned.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-45-40 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 45 / Section 43-45-40
SECTION 43-45-40. Geographical service areas.
Status: in_force

For the federal fiscal year 1984, the geographic service areas must conform to the service areas of community-based organizations designated by the State to administer fiscal year 1983 funds under Title VI of U.S. Public Law 97-35. The community-based organizations so designated are exclusively eligible to administer the funds in fiscal year 1984, provided that the funds are at a sufficient level to permit the community-based organization to maintain the capacity to support projects which have a measurable impact on the causes of poverty in the service area. In subsequent federal fiscal years after 1984, the geographic service areas shall be those as are designated by the Governor and the Joint Appropriations Review Committee. Editor's Note 1996 Act No. 458, Part II, SECTION 35D, eff July 1, 1996, provides the following: "The term 'Joint Appropriations Review Committee' wherever it may appear in any provision of law must be construed to mean the Office of the Governor effective January 1, 1997."
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-41-80 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 41 / Section 43-41-80
SECTION 43-41-80. Commission shall establish procedures for petitions for additional membership.
Status: in_force

The commission shall establish procedures under which community agencies or organizations and representative groups of the poor, which feel themselves inadequately represented on the commission, may petition for adequate membership on the commission. In this regard, the commission must be governed by the federal regulations and guidelines promulgated under federal law. If the commission finds that a petition for membership is meritorious and a seat is warranted, it shall increase the membership of the commission as provided for in Section 43-41-30(B) and (C).
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-460 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 43-5-460
SECTION 43-5-460. Estimate of amount needed per county.
Status: in_force

Each county department shall prepare, as required by the State Department, an estimate of the amount needed for dependent children in its county. Such estimate shall set forth the number of children being aided, with the amounts of grants to each individual child and such information or data as is necessary for the State Department to estimate the probable increase or decrease during the next ensuing period. A copy of such estimates from the various county departments shall be furnished each member of the legislative delegation of the respective counties. Editor's Note This section was formerly SECTION 20-7-2500.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-45-30 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 45 / Section 43-45-30
SECTION 43-45-30. Administering agency; designation; duties and functions.
Status: in_force

The Governor must designate a state administering agency to be responsible for the receipt and distribution of the federal funds as allocated to South Carolina for the implementation of Title VI, Public Law 97-35. The state administering agency shall develop and implement administrative procedures for carrying out the purposes of this chapter. The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: (A) Prescribing the procedures to be used in the selection of a community-based organization for each geographical service area identified herein. (B) Reviewing and recommending for approval all work programs submitted by the selected community-based organizations. (C) Recommending distribution formulas for funds made available to carry out the purposes of this chapter. (D) Monitoring and evaluating community-based organizations with respect to goals, priorities, program performance, and fiscal activities.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-31-120 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-31-120
SECTION 43-31-120. Vocational rehabilitation fund.
Status: in_force

There is created a special fund, to be known as the vocational rehabilitation fund. The fund shall consist of all monies appropriated by this State and all monies received from the United States or any other source for such purpose, as provided by this chapter. All monies in this fund shall be deposited, administered, and disbursed in the same manner and under the same conditions and requirements as provided by law for other public funds in the State Treasury. All monies in this fund are appropriated and made available to the agency, and shall be expended solely for the purposes of this chapter. Any balances in the fund shall not lapse at any time but shall be continuously available to the agency for expenditure consistent with this chapter. The agency, acting through the commissioner, shall issue its requisition for payment of all costs of administering this chapter to the Comptroller General, who shall draw his warrant in the usual form provided by law on the State Treasurer, who shall pay it by check on the vocational rehabilitation fund.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-3-50 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 3 / Section 43-3-50
SECTION 43-3-50. County advisory councils of social services.
Status: in_force

Each county board may create a county advisory council of social services to consider and advise with the county board on its problems and the remedies therefor, such council not to exceed five members. Members of such councils shall serve without compensation or allowance for expenses.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-41-20 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 41 / Section 43-41-20
SECTION 43-41-20. Commission to constitute corporate body.
Status: in_force

The commission is declared to be a body politic and corporate and shall exercise and enjoy all the rights and privileges as such. Membership on the commission shall not be construed to be an office of honor or profit.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-260 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 2 / Section 43-35-260
SECTION 43-35-260. Access to information.
Status: in_force

The Department of Social Services shall make available to the guardian ad litem all reports made and information collected relating to the vulnerable adult. Appropriate medical and dental care providers shall provide a guardian ad litem access to information upon request of the guardian ad litem and upon proof of appointment as the guardian ad litem for the vulnerable adult. Records must be made available to the guardian ad litem by any agency or any individual providing services to the vulnerable adult and financial records of the vulnerable adult including, but not limited to, state and federal tax records, banking and other financial institution records, and public benefits records.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-240 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 2 / Section 43-35-240
SECTION 43-35-240. Appointment of guardian ad litem for abuse, neglect, or exploitation proceedings; criminal background checks.
Status: in_force

(A) An individual may not be appointed as a guardian ad litem for a vulnerable adult in an abuse, neglect, or exploitation proceeding who: (1) has been convicted of a crime enumerated in Chapter 3, Title 16, Offenses Against the Person; in Chapter 15, Title 16, Offenses Against Morality and Decency; in Article 3, Chapter 53, Title 44, Narcotics and Controlled Substances; in Section 43-35-85, Omnibus Adult Protection Act; in Chapter 25, Title 16, Criminal Domestic Violence; or Section 16-17-490, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor; or (2) is or has ever been on the Department of Social Services Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect, the Sex Offender Registry, or listed as "not in good standing" on the Nurse Aide Registry. (B) A criminal background check must be conducted for each volunteer guardian ad litem as required by the Vulnerable Adult Guardian ad Litem Program.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-715 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-715
SECTION 43-1-715. Supplementing salary of employee of Department of Social Services.
Status: in_force

No county shall supplement the salary of any Department of Social Services employee.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-550 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 5 / Section 43-35-550
SECTION 43-35-550. Subpoena of medical information.
Status: in_force

When necessary in the discharge of the duties of the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and upon application of the unit, the clerks of court shall issue a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum to any state, county, or local agency, board, or commission or to any representative of any state, county, or local agency, board, or commission or to a provider of medical care to compel the attendance of witnesses and production of documents, books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, and other relevant records to the discharge of the unit's duties. Failure to obey a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum issued pursuant to this section may be punished as contempt.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-21-110 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 21 / Section 43-21-110
SECTION 43-21-110. Annual appropriation.
Status: in_force

The General Assembly shall provide an annual appropriation to carry out the work of the commission.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-45 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-45
SECTION 43-5-45. Notice by department of intended action.
Status: in_force

The department shall provide timely and adequate notice in all cases of intended action to discontinue, terminate, suspend, or reduce an assistance grant except in those cases where adequate notice alone would be consistent with the requirements of state law or regulation. "Timely notice" means notice which is mailed at least ten days before the intended change would be effective. "Adequate notice" means notice which is mailed not later than the date of action. Both timely and adequate notice shall include a statement of what action the agency intends to take, the reasons for the intended action, an explanation of the individual's right to request an administrative hearing on the propriety of the intended action and the circumstances under which assistance is continued if a hearing is requested.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1270 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1270
SECTION 43-5-1270. Information on absent parent required.
Status: in_force

The State shall apply for a federal waiver to require AFDC and Medicaid applicants and recipients as an additional condition for receiving benefits to provide: (1) the first and last name of the absent parent and putative father and any known licenses as defined in Section 63-17-1020 which might be subject to revocation; and (2) at least two of the following subitems on each absent parent and each putative father named: (a) date of birth; (b) social security number; (c) last known home address; (d) last known employer's name and address; (e) either of the absent parent's parent's name and address. An applicant or recipient who fails to provide this information or who provides the names of two putative fathers, both of whom are excluded from paternity by genetic testing, is ineligible for assistance for himself or herself and the child for whom parental information was not provided unless the applicant or recipient asserts, and the department verifies, there is good cause for not providing this information. Good cause includes documentation of incest, rape, or the existence or the threat of physical abuse to the child or custodial parent. Upon legal establishment of paternity of the child in question, AFDC benefits may be established or reinstated if all other eligibility requirements are met.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1285 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1285
SECTION 43-5-1285. Annual report.
Status: in_force

The department shall report annually to the General Assembly on the number of Family Independence families and individuals no longer receiving welfare, the number of individuals who have participated in educational, employment, or training programs under this act, the number of individuals who have completed educational, employment, or training programs under this act, and the number of individuals who have become employed and the duration of their employment. Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 281, SECTION 2, rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-1-60 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 1 / Section 43-1-60
SECTION 43-1-60. State Advisory Council and Committees.
Status: in_force

The State Director may create: (1) a State Advisory Council of Social Services to consider and advise with the department on its problems and the remedies therefor, such Council not to exceed fifteen members. The members of such Council shall serve without compensation or allowance for expenses; (2) such advisory committees as are required by federal law or regulations regarding the programs which the department administers. These advisory committees, as are required by federal law or regulation, shall receive travel and per diem as provided under the law for state boards, commissions, or committees; and (3) other committees the director may deem necessary for prudent administration of the programs administered by the department. Such committees may be reimbursed travel expenses as provided under the law and regulations for state employees but shall receive no per diem payment. All subsistence and per diem authorized under the provisions of this section shall be paid from funds available to the Department of Social Services.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-21-140 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 21 / Section 43-21-140
SECTION 43-21-140. Purpose and duties of council.
Status: in_force

The council has no authority to direct or require any implementing action from any member agency. The council shall identify future policy issues in long term care and may conduct research and demonstration activities related to these issues. Through close coordination of each member agency's planning efforts, the council shall develop recommendations for a statewide service delivery system for all health-impaired elderly or disabled persons, regardless of the persons' resources or source of payment. These recommendations must be updated annually as needed. The service delivery system must provide for: (1) charges based on ability to pay for persons not eligible for Medicaid; (2) coordination of community services; (3) access to and receipt of an appropriate mix of long term care services for all health-impaired elderly or disabled persons; (4) case management; and (5) discharge planning and services. The council, through its member agencies, shall study and make recommendations concerning the costs and benefits of: adult day care centers, in-home and institutional respite care, adult foster homes, incentives for families to provide in-home care, such as cash assistance, tax credits or deductions, and home-delivered services to aid families caring for chronically impaired elderly relatives.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-950 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 43-5-950
SECTION 43-5-950. Criminal sanctions.
Status: in_force

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this article, or any regulation, agreement, final determination, or order of the department is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction must be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than ten thousand dollars for each day's violation or be imprisoned for a period not to exceed one year, or both.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-70 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-70
SECTION 43-5-70. Identification and proof of residence; verification of employment, income and other information; absence from State.
Status: in_force

The department shall require that all persons applying for assistance shall provide acceptable identification and proof of residence and the department shall by regulation specify what constitutes adequate identification and proof of residence. The department shall require that all reports of employment or income be verified by letter or direct contact with the employer of the applicant or recipient and if the verification is made by letter, a stamped self-addressed envelope shall be enclosed and request for prompt return shall be made. The department shall verify all other information related to the eligibility in any case in which there is reason to believe that the applicant has falsified, misrepresented, or omitted any material facts such as age and number of children, real and personal property, including bank accounts and insurance policies or any other resources. No person shall be eligible for aid to families with dependent children unless he is a resident of the State. If a recipient is or will be absent from the State for a period of thirty days or longer, the department shall consider the recipient ineligible for assistance. It is not the intent of the General Assembly in enacting this section to create any durational residence requirement.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-95 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 43-5-95
SECTION 43-5-95. Aid to eighteen-year-old full-time students who are in secondary school or other equivalent training.
Status: in_force

Aid may be granted under the provisions of this section to or in behalf of an eligible child over the age of eighteen but not yet nineteen, if he is a full-time student in a secondary school, or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-920 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 43-5-920
SECTION 43-5-920. Administration.
Status: in_force

The department is granted the authority and responsibility for the effective and efficient administration of the WIC Program within South Carolina, as may be delegated by the federal government pursuant to federal act and regulation. Editor's Note 1987 Act No. 11, SECTION 1, provides as follows: "The General Assembly finds that substantial numbers of pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and young children (WIC) from families with inadequate income are at special risk with respect to their physical and mental health by reason of inadequate nutrition or health care, or both. It is declared to be the policy of the State to provide nutritional education and supplemental foods to eligible persons through the administration of the WIC Program. The participation by persons in this program is to be monitored to ensure that program requirements are met. It is further declared that to secure these purposes and the enforcement of the provisions of this article, the Department of Health and Environmental Control has authority to administer the WIC Program to minimize the occurrence of health problems and improve the health status of the program participants."
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-21-45 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 21 / Section 43-21-45
SECTION 43-21-45. Area agencies on aging; focal points; duties of focal points.
Status: in_force

The Department on Aging shall designate area agencies on aging, and area agencies on aging shall designate focal points. Focal points shall provide leadership on aging issues in their respective communities and shall carry out a comprehensive service system for older adults or shall coordinate with a comprehensive service system in providing services for older adults. The area agencies on aging represent the regional level of the state aging network and the focal points represent the local level of the state aging network. Effect of Amendment 2018 Act No. 261, SECTION 8, in the first sentence, substituted "The Department on Aging shall" for "The Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Division on Aging, shall", and made a nonsubstantive change.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-31-20 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-31-20
SECTION 43-31-20. Declaration of policy.
Status: in_force

It is hereby declared to be the policy of this State to provide rehabilitation services to the extent needed and feasible, to eligible handicapped individuals throughout the State, to the end that they may engage in useful and remunerative occupations to the extent of their capabilities, thereby increasing their social and economic well-being and that of their families, and the productive capacity of this State and nation, also thereby reducing the burden of dependency on families and taxpayers.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-400 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 43-5-400
SECTION 43-5-400. Definitions.
Status: in_force

When used in this article and unless the specific context indicates otherwise: (1) "Aid to dependent children or needy relative" means money payments with respect to or medical care in behalf of or any type of remedial care recognized under state law in behalf of a dependent child or dependent children, or a needy relative with whom any dependent child is living. (2) "Dependent child" means a child under the age of eighteen years who has been deprived of parental support or care by reason of the death, continued absence from home or physical or mental incapacity of a parent and who is living with his father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister, stepfather, stepmother, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, nephew or niece in a place of residence maintained by one or more of such relatives as his or their own home and who, if not granted aid, is likely to become a public charge or who would otherwise be deprived of proper support, care or training or a child under the age of twenty-one years who is attending high school or college or regularly attending a course of vocational or technical training. The term "dependent child" shall also include a child: (a) who could meet the requirements of this section except for his removal from the home of a relative, specified in this section as a result of a judicial determination to the effect that continuation therein would be contrary to the welfare of the child; (b) whose placement and care are the responsibility of the state agency; and (c) who has been placed in a foster family home or child care institution as a result of such determination. (3) The term "foster family home" or "child care institution" means a foster family home or child care institution for children which is licensed by the State. Editor's Note This section was formerly SECTION 20-7-2440
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-50 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 35 / Article 1 / Section 43-35-50
SECTION 43-35-50. Abrogation of privilege for certain communications.
Status: in_force

The privileged quality of communication between husband and wife or between a professional person and the person's patient or client, except that between attorney and client or priest and penitent, are abrogated and do not constitute grounds for failing to report or for the exclusion of evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding resulting from a report made pursuant to this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-420 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 43-5-420
SECTION 43-5-420. Application for aid.
Status: in_force

Any person having knowledge that any child is dependent and that the interest of such child or of the public requires that such child be granted aid may bring such fact to the attention of the county department in the county in which the dependent child has residence or to the State Department by making application for aid on such blanks as the State Department shall prescribe and supply, furnishing such information as is required thereon and is necessary for the proper administration of these purposes. Editor's Note This section was formerly SECTION 20-7-2460.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-580 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 43-5-580
SECTION 43-5-580. Enforcement of support obligations of absent parents.
Status: in_force

(a) Every applicant for Family Independence benefits who has a child or children whose parent is alive but not residing in the home must be referred to the Office of Child Support Enforcement within two working days of the furnishing of aid or the determination that an individual is a recipient of Family Independence benefits. The department is responsible for taking all steps necessary to identify, locate, and obtain support payments from absent parents. (b) The department shall promulgate regulations which establish guidelines for minimum contributions which must be applied by the courts in determining the amount that an absent parent is expected to pay toward the support of a dependent child. Copies of the guidelines must be made available to courts, district attorneys, and to the public. The guidelines formulated pursuant to this section must be applied pursuant to the provisions of Section 63-17-470. (c) Failure of the absent parent to comply with his support obligations must be referred to the court having jurisdiction of this matter for appropriate proceedings.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-25-100 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 25 / Section 43-25-100
SECTION 43-25-100. Transfer of certain powers and duties of Division for the Blind to Commission.
Status: in_force

The powers and duties of the Division for the Blind of the State Department of Social Services including, but not limited to, the distribution of talking book machines, vocational rehabilitation and other special services for the visually handicapped except those duties and responsibilities surrounding the administration of the State Federal Program of Aid to the Needy Blind shall be devolved upon the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-1275 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 43-5-1275
SECTION 43-5-1275. Electronic data interchange standards.
Status: in_force

As applicable, all state agencies shall adopt Electronic Data Interchange Standards as set forth by the Division of Technology Operations so that exchanges and sharing of information concerning AFDC clients and revenue sources are freely available. However, in the exchange and sharing of information all requirements for confidentiality of information must be maintained. For the next two years these state agencies shall report to the Department of Administration, Division of Information Resource Technology before January first on the agency's progress and compliance with this section and its utilization of the system created as a result of this action. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, references in this section to the offices of the former State Budget and Control Board, Office of the Governor, or other agencies, were changed to reflect the transfer of them to the Department of Administration or other entities, pursuant to the directive of the South Carolina Restructuring Act, 2014 Act No. 121, SECTION 5(D)(1), effective July 1, 2015.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-5-970 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 43-5-970
SECTION 43-5-970. Appeals.
Status: in_force

A decision of the department imposing disqualification, penalties, or requiring a vendor to refund monies for overcharging may be appealed pursuant to the state Administrative Procedures Act and the department's Contested Cases Regulation.
S.C. Code Ann. § 43-25-30 — SC Code / Title 43 / Chapter 25 / Section 43-25-30
SECTION 43-25-30. Powers and duties of commission.
Status: in_force

The commission shall: (1) Promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. (2) Apply for, receive and expend monies from all governmental agencies, both State and Federal; and accept gifts, grants, donations, devises and bequests made for providing aid to the visually handicapped, including expenses of administration. All such funds shall be paid into the State Treasury. (3) Submit to the Governor and publish an annual report showing the total amount of money disbursed, the total number of blind and visually handicapped persons who received services, and such other information as may be deemed advisable. (4) Maintain a complete register of persons whose vision, with correcting lenses, does not exceed 20⁄200 which shall also include the conditions, cause of loss of sight, capacity for educational and industrial training of each, and other pertinent facts. (5) Maintain bureaus of information and industrial aid to assist the visually handicapped in finding employment and to teach them industries which may be followed in their homes, and to assist them in whatever manner may seem advisable to the commission in disposing of the products of their home industry. (6) Make inquiries concerning the cause of loss of sight, learn what proportion of these cases are preventable and inaugurate and cooperate with the State in any measure as may seem wise. (7) Cooperate with the State Department of Health and Environmental Control in the adoption and enforcement of proper preventive measures. (8) Establish, equip and maintain a center for vocational, industrial and other training and employ qualified instructors. The center shall provide for orientation and adjustment for the visually handicapped. Training in such centers shall be limited to persons deemed eligible by the commission. (9) Supervise and control all concession stands established and operated formerly by the State Department of Social Services and all concession stands established by the commission. (10) Have the authority to enter into contracts with owners of private property for the purpose of installing concession stands which shall be under the control of the commission. (11) Establish, supervise and render totally operative and effective prevention of loss of sight programs using such facilities in the State as the commission may deem necessary including a mobile ophthalmological laboratory and office. (12) Assist in the furtherance of the purposes of Section 44-7-10. Effect of Amendment 2018 Act No. 239, SECTION 2, in (12), substituted "Section 44-7-10" for "SECTIONS 44-43-110 to 44-43-160 and 44-7-10".