McMaster holds signing for law to combine three SC health agencies into one
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McMaster holds signing for law to combine three SC health agencies into one
The new agency combines the state’s existing Department of Mental Health, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs and Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services. Lawmakers say the consolidation will bring more efficiency, save money and provide better services. The bill builds on the 2023 Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) restructuring bill, which split that agency into two cabinet agencies. South Carolinians are among the unhealthiest Americans, according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report also found that South Carolina was spending more money than most other states to boost people’s health.
Gov. Henry McMaster held a ceremonial signing Tuesday of a law to create the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
The new agency combines the state’s existing Department of Mental Health, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs and the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services.
“This reform represents the single most important step we’ve taken in over 30 years to bring direct accountability and leadership to the delivery of critical health and human services,” McMaster said. “For too long, South Carolinians struggling with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders have had to navigate through a confusing landscape of offices, agencies, and officials as they seek help for a loved one or dependent.”
Witht he creation of the new agency, the governor said, South Carolinians will only need to go to one agency to get the help they need.
The law merges the three agencies into a single cabinet-level agency that is directly accountable to the governor. Lawmakers say the consolidation will bring more efficiency, save money and provide better services.
South Carolina Rep. Sylleste Davis, R-Berkeley, says there will be accountability for the new department and that duplicated programs will be eliminated.
“It’s a promise, a promise to the people who have struggled to navigate a confusing system while in crisis,” Davis said. “A promise to people who have spent years searching for help that should have been simple to find. A promise to healthcare providers who need strong unified partners in government to serve patients with care and effectiveness.”
The bill builds on the 2023 Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) restructuring bill, which split that agency into two cabinet agencies: the Department of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Services.
A release from McMaster’s office states these reforms represent the “largest overhaul of state government since Governor Carroll Campbell led a restructuring of state agencies in the early 1990s.”
“We started with Certificate of Need, then we addressed DHEC, and today, what we are doing by consolidating these three agencies is working to restructure our government healthcare system,” Sen. Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee, said. “This is a big day for South Carolina. It is an important piece of legislation that will make our citizens happier and healthier.”
Previous data showed South Carolina was spending more money than most other states to boost people’s health, but that the expense was not paying off because South Carolinians are among the unhealthiest Americans.
McMaster officially signed the law on April 28 and has been in effect since then.
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