Columbia Senior AdvisorWhich rules govern assisted living and nursing homes in Columbia, SC?
State rules do: Regulation 60-84 for community residential care facilities (South Carolina's assisted living license), the state nursing home regulation plus federal CMS requirements for certified homes, all enforced by DPH Healthcare Quality under authority of S.C. Code Section 44-7-260.
Last verified: November 2026No Midlands city or county licenses care settings. Richland County's zoning or the City of Columbia's fire marshal may touch a building, but only the DPH license lets it care for residents.
Why do some Columbia brochures still mention DHEC?
Because DHEC ran facility licensing until July 1, 2024, when Act 60 of 2023 moved it to the new S.C. Department of Public Health and sent environmental programs to the Department of Environmental Services.
The assisted living regulation was then renumbered 60-84 (republished May 23, 2025). On DPH's current data, 64 senior-serving CRCFs operate in the six Midlands counties and 19 carry the Alzheimer's unit flag.
Where do Midlands families take a problem?
Care complaints about a licensed facility go to DPH Healthcare Quality (1-800-922-6735 or the online portal); abuse of a facility resident goes to the regional long-term care ombudsman (Central Midlands, (803) 376-5390, for Richland, Lexington and Fairfield); and abuse or neglect at home goes to DSS Adult Protective Services, 1-888-227-3487.
Kershaw, Calhoun and Saluda counties use the Santee-Lynches, Lower Savannah and Upper Savannah ombudsman programs; the complaints guide below has every number.
South Carolina Rules: every guide
The assisted living license behind every Columbia community
How the S.C. Department of Public Health licenses assisted living in Columbia and the Midlands as community residential care facilities under Regulation 60-84: the agency, the definition, fees, administrators and inspections.
Open the guide →How South Carolina regulates memory care, and what Columbia families should ask
Memory care in Columbia, SC happens in Alzheimer's special care units inside licensed CRCFs and nursing homes. The Regulation 60-84 definition, the disclosure law, staffing, training and what to check.
Open the guide →Admission limits and move-out rules for Midlands assisted living
Who a South Carolina CRCF may admit, the medical needs that rule someone out, the 14-day dependency rule, the 30-day transfer requirement and how hospice and home health fit, for Columbia-area families.
Open the guide →Staffing ratios, medications and care plans in Midlands assisted living
South Carolina CRCF staffing ratios (1:8 peak, 1:30 off-peak), who may give medications, required staff training, background checks and care plan deadlines, explained for Columbia families.
Open the guide →Checking a Midlands facility's record yourself
How Columbia-area families can verify a South Carolina CRCF or nursing home license, find DPH enforcement orders, request inspection reports, read CMS Care Compare and check an administrator's license.
Open the guide →Where Columbia-area families report problems in senior care
How to file a DPH complaint against a South Carolina CRCF or nursing home, who investigates abuse in facilities and at home, and how the Central Midlands, Santee-Lynches, Lower Savannah and Upper Savannah ombudsman programs help.
Open the guide →Rights, contracts and money in Midlands assisted living
South Carolina's Bill of Rights for Residents of Long Term Care Facilities, required CRCF admission agreement terms, rules on residents' funds, restraint limits and closures, explained for Columbia families.
Open the guide →Nursing home oversight for Columbia and the Midlands
Who licenses and inspects nursing homes in Columbia, SC, what CMS star ratings do and do not measure, state and federal penalties, and how Midlands nursing homes share campuses with assisted living.
Open the guide →Side by side
| South Carolina's rules | South Carolina's rules do not | |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted living | Require a DPH CRCF license and a licensed administrator | Offer a separate “assisted living” license |
| Staffing | Set 1 per 8 residents at peak and 1 per 30 off-peak | Set a stricter ratio for memory care |
| Inspections | Allow DPH to arrive unannounced at any time | Post CRCF inspection reports online |
| Money | Let OSS and Community Choices help in participating CRCFs | Have Medicaid pay any CRCF's rent |
