2019 South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 62 - South Carolina Probate Code
Article 5 - Protection Of Persons Under Disability And Their Property
Section 62-5-403D. Report of examiner.
(A) Each examiner shall complete a notarized report setting forth an evaluation of the condition of the alleged incapacitated individual. The original report must be filed with the court by the court's deadline, but not less than forty-eight hours prior to any hearing in which the report will be introduced as evidence. For good cause, the court may admit an examiner's report filed less than forty-eight hours prior to the hearing. All parties are entitled to review the reports, which are admissible as evidence. The evaluation shall contain, to the best of the examiner's knowledge and belief:
(1) a description of the nature and extent of the incapacity, including specific functional impairments;
(2) a diagnosis and assessment of the alleged incapacitated individual's mental and physical condition, including whether he is taking any medications that may affect his actions;
(3) an evaluation of the alleged incapacitated individual's ability to exercise the rights set forth in Section 62-5-407;
(4) when consistent with the scope of the examiner's license, an evaluation of the alleged incapacitated individual's ability to learn self-care skills, adaptive behavior, and social skills, and a prognosis for improvement;
(5) the date of all examinations and assessments upon which the report is based;
(6) the identity of the persons with whom the examiner met or consulted regarding the alleged incapacitated individual's mental or physical condition; and
(7) the signature and designation of the professional license held by the examiner.
(B) Unless otherwise directed by the court, the examiner may rely upon an examination conducted within the ninety-day period immediately preceding the filing of the petition. In the absence of bad faith, an examiner appointed by the court pursuant to Section 62-5-403B is immune from civil liability for any breach of patient confidentiality made in furtherance of his duties.
HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 539, Section 1; 2010 Act No. 244, Section 33, eff June 7, 2010; 2016 Act No. 278 (S.777), Section 5, eff June 9, 2016. Formerly Code 1976 Section 62-5-407, renumbered and amended by 2017 Act No. 87 (S.415), Section 5.A, eff January 1, 2019.
