COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina House has passed a bill merging multiple healthcare agencies into one.
The approval of the bill follows a report by the Boston Consulting Group highlighting South Carolina's fragmented health and human services agency structure, deemed the most disjointed in the nation.
"This is the biggest restructuring, or rightsizing, of a bill we’ve had in this state since before I was born in 1994," said Rep. Brandon Newton.
The bill consolidates six separate state agencies into what will be known as the Executive Office of Health and Policy.
This office will encompass the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, Disabilities and Special Needs, Health and Human Services, Mental Health and Aging, as well as the new Department of Public Health.
Supporters say the consolidation aims to facilitate strategic planning and operational efficiency in healthcare services.
Moreover, the restructuring bill includes provisions to establish a separate Department of Environmental Control, currently a part of the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The governor will appoint a Director of Public Health.
However, not all lawmakers supported the proposal. Members of the Freedom Caucus voiced opposition, citing concerns over government expansion.
"I’ve never seen the government streamline anything and make it better for the people," remarked Rep. Joe White (R) of Newberry County, reflecting dissenting views.
The Senate had previously passed a companion bill last week. Lawmakers now face a deadline until May to enact either bill into law.
A fiscal impact report accompanying the bill highlighted budget implications. For instance, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) estimates a $10,000 expense for changing its name and logo.