Licensing requirements for the CRCF
Deciding to open a Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF) or an ALF can be a daunting task due to the sheer number of regulations you must follow. You have jumped through so many hoops, renovating your home to meet the state requirements, designed your logo, chose a name, etc. and now the next step towards accepting residents is receiving your license from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Be sure to familiarize yourself with the following regulation prior to submitting an application for licensing:
- License Requirements (II)
- Issuance and Terms of License.
- A license is issued by the Department and shall be posted in a conspicuous place in a public area within the facility.
- The issuance of a license does not guarantee the adequacy of individual care, services, personal safety,
fire safety, or the well-being of any resident or occupant of a facility.
- A license is not assignable or transferable and is subject to revocation at any time by the Department
for the licensee’s failure to comply with the laws and regulations of this State.
- A license shall be effective for a specified facility, at a specific location(s), for a specified period
following the date of issue as determined by the Department. A license shall remain in effect until the
Department notifies the licensee of a change in that status.
- Facilities owned by the same entity but which are not located on the same adjoining or contiguous
property shall be separately licensed. Roads or local streets, except limited access, e.g., interstate highways,
shall not be considered as dividing otherwise adjoining or contiguous property. Facilities owned by the
same entity, separate licenses are not required for separate buildings on the same or adjoining grounds
where a single level or type of care is provided.
- Multiple types of facilities on the same premises shall be licensed separately even though owned by
the same entity.
- Facilities may furnish respite care provided compliance with the standards of this regulation are met.
Pro Tip:
- Do not give up if do you not receive your license on the first go around! Many seasoned administrators have had to be resurveyed prior to receiving their new community licensure!