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 the consent of the Senate and House, will lead this office and is tasked with developing a comprehensive State Health Services Plan, overseeing regulations from the component departments, and facilitating data sharing and administrative service consolidation. The bill also includes amendments to various sections of the South Carolina Code to reflect the creation of this new office and its departments, including the repeal of Chapter 49 related to the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services.

Additionally, the bill introduces several key changes, such as renaming the Department of Health and Environmental Control to the Department of Public Health and establishing new protocols for managing public health emergencies and communicable diseases. It also creates a Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Review Committee, a Data Oversight Council, and a Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee within the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill emphasizes the importance of timely access to healthcare services, the need for compliance with environmental regulations, and the establishment of a least restrictive environment for individuals with disabilities. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness of public health services across South Carolina while ensuring compliance with health information privacy laws.

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