S.C. Code Regs. ch. 61, 61-17, 61-17.1200 - RESIDENT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING (I)

A. The admission physical examination shall be conducted by the attending physician or legally authorized healthcare provider within five (5) days prior to admission or within seven (7) business days after admission and shall address the physical condition and diagnosis of the resident.

EXCEPTION: Physical examinations conducted by physicians licensed in states other than South Carolina are permitted for new admissions under the condition that residents obtain an attending physician licensed in South Carolina within thirty (30) days of admission to the facility. The physical examination information shall be updated to include new medical information if the resident's condition has changed since the last physical examination was completed.

B. The admission physical examination shall include tuberculosis screening (See Section 1704), as determined by the facility risk assessment (See Section 101.JJJ) in the manner designated by guidelines established by the Department.

C. In the event that a resident transfers from a healthcare facility licensed by the Department, as defined in S.C. Code Section 44-7-130(10), to a nursing home, an additional admission physical examination shall not be required, provided the resident transferring has had a physical examination conducted not earlier than three (3) months prior to the admission of the resident to the nursing home that addresses the physical condition and diagnosis of the resident, and meets the requirements specified in Section 1200.B unless the receiving facility has an indication that the health status of the resident has changed significantly. A discharge summary from a healthcare facility, which includes a physical examination, may be acceptable as the admission physical examination, provided the summary addresses the physical condition and diagnosis of the resident, meets the requirements specified in Section 1200.B, and the resident's physician attests to its accuracy by countersigning it. The receiving nursing home shall acquire a copy of the physical examination and tuberculosis screening, if applicable, from the licensed facility transferring the resident with the attending physician updating by signature and date.