S.C. Code § 44-7-1070
Any hospital established under the provisions of this article shall be primarily for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of the municipality owning and operating it, but in no event shall this article be construed as compelling such hospital to admit charity patients, it being the intent hereof that payment shall be made to the hospital for all patients according to the established rates, in order to operate the hospital, as far as possible, on a self-supporting basis. However, the board of trustees may admit nonresident patients from contributing districts, as hereinafter defined, upon the same rate basis as established for residents of the municipality, or they may admit nonresident patients from outside the municipality and outside contributing districts upon a higher rate basis than established and charged residents of the municipality and contributing districts, if such higher rates are deemed advisable and necessary to keep the hospital on a self-supporting basis. The board of trustees may also enter into contracts with any hospital benefit association permitted under the laws of this State to insure for hospital care and accept insured patients from within the municipality or from contributing districts or from other outside areas, if the facilities permit and beds are available. It may further authorize the admission and care of charity patients upon payment of approved charity rates by county or municipal governments or by payment from any charitable organization or eleemosynary corporation.
S.C. Code § 44-7-1070