S.C. Code Ann. § 44-7-325 - Fee for search and duplication of medical record; time limits for compliance with request for record

These requirements apply to health care facilities and licensed health care professionals.

If a patient submits a request for a copy of a medical record, a provider must comply with the request within 45 days of receiving the request, or within 45 days after the patient is discharged, whichever is later. No provider may be compelled to provide a copy of a medical record prior to 30 days after a patient is discharged. 

A health care provider may charge a fee for searching for and copying a medical record of up to $0.60 per page for pages 1-30, and $0.50 per page for pages 31 and above. A provider may only charge the actual cost of materials, supplies and labor used to reproduce an X-ray, plus any actual overhead costs associated with the duplication. A provider may also charge a clerical fee for searching for and handling medical records of up to $15 per request, plus actual postage and applicable sales tax. A provider may not charge a fee for copies of records sent to, or at the request of, another health care provider for purposes of continuing a patient's medical care.