SC H3027

Exempts the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and its representatives from mandatory reporting requirements for suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults when reporting would violate federal confidentiality rules

Federal law prohibits the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program from disclosing complainant or resident identity without appropriate consent or court order under 42 U.S.C. Section 3058d and 45 C.F.R. 1324.19(b)(3) through (9)

Requires ombudsman representatives who personally witness abuse, neglect, or exploitation to seek informed consent from the resident before disclosing resident-identifying information

Amends Section 43-35-25 of the South Carolina Code regarding mandated reporters of vulnerable adult maltreatment