COLUMBIA, S.C. — In just a few weeks, South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) will be split into two separate agencies following a decision by state lawmakers last year.
Starting July 1, DHEC will become the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH).
SCDES will handle environmental responsibilities, including air quality, coastal management, land and waste management, water services, and regional and laboratory services.
DPH will be organized into three main divisions: health promotion and services, healthcare quality, and administration.
In addition to the creation of two new agencies, DHEC’s food safety program will move to the Department of Agriculture and the authority to establish, manage and operate state-run veterans’ nursing homes will move to the Department of Veterans' Affairs from the Department of Mental Health. Public health and healthcare quality programs will transition to DPH, while environmental programs will move to SCDES.
During this transition period, DHEC officials emphasize that their top priority remains serving the people of South Carolina and continuing to provide essential public health and environmental services.
Both new agencies will operate out of the current DHEC locations for the time being. However, News 19 was told by a Department of Administration spokesperson that DPH may move to 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce, SC, 29033. Yet, other than planning, movement of the agency cannot begin until money has actually been appropriated.
The earliest budget appropriations will become effective is July 1, 2024. Assuming the appropriations are made, the goal is to have all employees moved by June 30, 2025.