Mental Illness

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-17-410, RELATING TO EMERGENCY ADMISSIONS OF INDIVIDUALS SUFFERING FROM MENTAL ILLNESS WHO POSE A DANGER TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS, SO AS TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ADMISSION AND COMMITMENT PROCESS, TO ENSURE THAT THE TREATING FACILITY HAS A COMPLETE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THESE PATIENTS, INCLUDING PRIOR HOSPITALIZATIONS, TO SPECIFY INFORMATION THAT MUST BE INCLUDED IN REPORTS OF DESIGNATED EXAMINERS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-17-580, RELATING TO INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS WHO DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE COURT-ORDERED OUTPATIENT TREATMENT, SO AS TO ADDRESS REQUIREMENTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL OR RULE TO SHOW CAUSE HEARINGS TO ADDRESS NONCOMPLIANCE; AND BY ADDING SECTION 44-12-70 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO MAINTAIN AN INTEGRATED DATABASE WITH COMPLETE MEDICAL RECORDS OF PATIENTS SERVED AT DEPARTMENT FACILITIES, A REGISTRY OF ORDERS OF TREATMENT, AND AN INVENTORY OF AVAILABLE FACILITY BEDS AND WAITLISTS.