Section 43-35-510 - Policy of State regarding health and safety of vulnerable adultsIt is the policy of this State that:
(1) Every vulnerable adult is entitled to live in safety and in health.(2) Responding to deaths of vulnerable adults is a state and a community responsibility.(3) When a vulnerable adult dies, the response by the State and the community to the death must include an accurate and complete determination of the cause of death, the provision of services to surviving family members, and the development and implementation of measures to prevent future deaths from similar causes and may include court action, including prosecution of persons who may be responsible for the death and family court proceedings to protect other vulnerable adults in the care of the responsible person.(4) Professionals from disparate disciplines and agencies that have responsibilities for vulnerable adults and expertise that can promote safety and well-being of vulnerable adults should share their expertise and knowledge toward the goals of determining the causes of deaths of vulnerable adults, planning and providing services to nonoffending family members, and preventing future vulnerable adult deaths.(5) A greater understanding of the incidence and causes of deaths of vulnerable adults is necessary if the State is to prevent future vulnerable adult deaths.(6) Multidisciplinary and multiagency reviews of vulnerable adult deaths can assist the State in the investigation of vulnerable adult deaths, in the development of a greater understanding of the incidence and causes of vulnerable adult deaths and the methods for preventing such deaths, and in identifying gaps in services to vulnerable adults and families.(7) Access to information regarding vulnerable adults and their families is necessary to achieve the mandates and purposes of this article.(8) Competent investigative services must be sensitive to the needs of South Carolina's vulnerable adults and their families and not be unnecessarily intrusive and should be achieved through training, awareness, and technical assistance.2006 Act No. 301, Section 9, eff 5/23/2006.