Hurricane Helene: Public Health Department Closures

Latest updates: Hurricane Helene

Our public health departments' hours of operation may be affected by power and staffing outages. This means that some closures may not appear on the state government office delays and closings map. The health and safety of our employees and our clients remains our highest priority. We are working to get services restored as safely and quickly as possible.

Learn more about DPH's role with hurricanes, floods, and weather emergencies.

Nursing homes may not be established, operated, or maintained in South Carolina without first obtaining a state license from DPH in a manner provided by Article 3, Chapter 7, Title 44 of the South Carolina Code of Laws and DPH regulations. Licensed nursing homes may volunteer to participate in the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs, and DPH is charged with enforcing the federal standards on behalf of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). DPH ensures nursing homes in South Carolina comply with state licensing and federal health and safety standards.

Regulations and Code of Laws

Forms

To submit a federal plan of correction and/or Director of Nursing changes, email cms2567@dph.sc.gov

CMS Regulations & Guidance

The Long Term Care Program surveys Nursing Facilities and Skilled Nursing Facilities (NF/SNF) for compliance with Medicare/Medicaid regulations.

Related Resources

Nurse Aide Abuse Registry Program

The Nurse Aide Abuse Registry Program is responsible for investigating all allegations of CNA  abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. See the Nurse Aide Registry.

Related Resources

Complaint Program

The Complaint Program investigates complaints filed against health care facilities. If you would like to register a complaint against a Nursing Home, or any other health facility, please click here.

Related Resources

Minimum Data Set (MDS) & Outcome Assessment Information Set (OASIS)

Certified nursing homes are required to conduct a comprehensive, accurate, standardized and reproducible assessment of each resident’s functional capacity using the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI). Facilities are required to examine their residents no less frequently than once every three months. 

Related Resources

Read the Nursing Home RAI User's Manual

CMS's MDS & OASIS update from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, including RAVEN/HAVEN software

Civil Money Penalty Funds (CMP) Grant

A portion of CMPs collected from nursing homes are returned to the states in which CMPs are imposed. State CMP funds may be reinvested to support activities that benefit nursing home residents and that protect or improve their quality of care or quality of life. Requests to use CMP funds may be made by various organizations and entities. Applications may be submitted by certified nursing homes, academic or research institutions, state, local or tribal governments, profit or not-for-profit, or other types of organizations.

For more information regarding CMP, click here. If you have any questions regarding CMP, please contact CMPFunds@dph.sc.gov.

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Facilities
Health
Loss of an Essential Service
Regulation & Licensing