Terms Used In South Carolina Code > Title 44 > Chapter 81 - Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities

• Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
• Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
• Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
• Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
• Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
• Long-term care facility: means an intermediate care facility, nursing care facility, or residential care facility subject to regulation and licensure by the State Department of Health and Environmental Control (department). See South Carolina Code 44-81-30
• Representative: means a resident's legal guardian, committee, or next of kin or other person acting as agent of a resident who does not have a legally appointed guardian. See South Carolina Code 44-81-30
• Resident: means a person who is receiving treatment or care in a long-term care facility. See South Carolina Code 44-81-30