S.C. Code Ann. § 44-23-1120: Liability of estate of deceased patient or trainee.

Upon the death of a person who is or has been a patient or trainee of a State mental health facility the executor or administrator and the judge of probate shall notify the Office of Mental Health in writing. If the decedent was cared for at the expense of the State during his confinement, the Office of Mental Health shall present a claim for the amount due, and this claim shall be allowed and paid as other lawful claims against the estate. The Office of Mental Health may waive the presentation of any claim when, in its opinion, an otherwise dependent person would be directly benefited by waiver.