DHEC investigates three alleged unlicensed community residential care facilities in Orangeburg

SOURCE: DHEC PRESS RELEASE

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and multiple other agencies investigated three facilities in Orangeburg, said DHEC.

During the investigation, DHEC found staff at the unlicensed community residential care facility (CRCF) were offering room and board and providing and coordinating personal care for residents, said officials.

Also, investigators said they found residents locked in rooms with no ability to exit without assistance which posed an imminent risk in the event of a fire or medical emergency.

Those residents were placed into emergency protective custody and relocated to appropriate facilities to ensure their safety by law enforcement.

DHEC said the unlicensed CRCF submitted a plan of correction which was accepted by DHEC’s Bureau of Health Facilities Licensing.

The other two facilities were classified as apartments by DHEC due to officials saying the people at the locations were not receiving assistance with the activities of daily living.

“It is the responsibility of long-term care facilities to operate in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations and permits,” said Gwen Thompson, DHEC’s Director of Healthcare Quality.

DHEC  encourages the public  to  use an  online complaint form  if they suspect any type of  wrongdoing  at a healthcare facility or service regulated by  DHEC.

Anyone unable to submit a health facility complaint online can call DHEC at 1-800-922-6735 and indicate that they wish to file a complaint against a health facility or service, and DHEC will follow-up as needed.

“If a facility creates a dangerous living condition, we will take immediate and decisive action to protect residents, who are always our top priority,” continued Thompson.