S.C. Code Ann. § 44-115-60 - Physician's release of summary or portion in lieu of full record

A physician may choose to provide a summary or portion of a requested record instead of the actual record if the physician reasonably believes that releasing the the entire record would harm the patient's emotional or physical well-being, the emotional or physical well-being of another person who has given information about the patient to the physician, or where release of the information is otherwise prohibited by law. An unreasonable refusal to release the entire medical record constitutes unprofessional conduct and subjects the physician to disciplinary action of the South Carolina State Board of Medical Examiners. 


A physician may not refuse to release all or part of the record if it is requested for any reason by a licensed attorney representing the patient, if the patient, the patient's legal guardian, or the patient's personal representative submits a written authorization for such release, or if it is requested by a licensed attorney representing the patient or an insurance company in regards to the following:

• An application for life or health insurance;
• The payment and adjudication of claims relating to life and health insurance; or
• The payment or adjudication of personal injury claims.