The South Carolina Competency Order for Evaluation (SC-COE) is an assessment tool used by the South Carolina Department of Mental Health to assess the competency of individuals for legal purposes. The SC-COE is used to determine whether a person is competent to stand trial, to make decisions in their own best interests, or to provide informed consent for medical treatment. The SC-COE includes two types of evaluations: the Forensic Competency Evaluation and the Clinical Competency Evaluation. The Forensic Competency Evaluation is used to assess an individual's ability to understand legal proceedings and to participate in their own defense. The Clinical Competency Evaluation is used to assess an individual's ability to make informed decisions about their medical care. Both evaluations include a comprehensive review of the individual's mental health history, current mental status, and cognitive functioning. The SC-COE is used by legal and mental health professionals to make informed decisions about an individual's mental health competency.