The bill H. 3613 proposes the establishment of the Executive Office of Health and Policy within the South Carolina state government, which will include the Departments of Health Financing, Public Health, Aging, Intellectual and Related Disabilities, and Behavioral Health. The Secretary of Health and Policy, appointed by the Governor with legislative consent, will oversee the office and is tasked with developing a comprehensive State Health Services Plan, regulating the component departments, and consolidating administrative services. The bill also includes the repeal of Chapter 49 of Title 44, which pertains to the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, and makes various technical corrections to align existing laws with the new office's framework.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of the South Carolina Code to enhance the operations of the Department of Public Health and Environmental Control, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Intellectual and Related Disabilities. Key provisions include the establishment of a Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Review Committee, the creation of a Data Oversight Council, and the introduction of a new South Carolina Department of Intellectual and Related Disabilities. The bill emphasizes the importance of service coordination, compliance with health information privacy laws, and the need for timely access to healthcare services. Overall, the amendments aim to improve public health management, enhance service delivery for individuals with disabilities, and ensure accountability within the state's health services framework.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 1-30-10, 8-17-370, 44-1-20, 44-1-315, 44-1-30, 44-6-140, 44-7-77, 44-7-180, 44-9-95, 44-20-10, 44-20-372, 43-21-10, 48-6-60
Latest Version: 1-30-10, 8-17-370, 44-1-20, 44-1-315, 44-1-30, 44-6-140, 44-7-77, 44-7-180, 44-9-95, 44-20-10, 44-20-372, 43-21-10, 48-6-60