SC House passes Health Agency Reform bill

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– A landmark Health Agency Reform Bill is one step closer to becoming law in South Carolina after passing in the House on Wednesday.

It would consolidate existing state health agencies into the new cabinet level Executive Office of Health and Policy.

It also prioritizes accountability by placing the Secretary of Health and Policy under the authority of the governor instead of unelected board members.

The bill needs to go through a third reading before it moves forward.

It comes in the wake of multiple reform bills to repeal the certificate of need and split the Department of Health and Environmental Control.