Senate Amendment 1
S 915 - Session 125 (2023-2024)
Executive Office of Health Policy

Senator Martin proposes the following amendment (SR-915.KM0010S):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 44-12-40(1) and inserting:

 (1) shall develop a cohesive, coordinated, and comprehensive State Health Services Plan for public health services provided by the component departments housed within the office so that there is a maximum level of coordination among the component departments. The plan should serve as a blueprint for the State to assess and improve the quality of care that South Carolinians receive. The plan should be continually updated and must include, at a minimum, an inventory, projections, and standards for health services, facilities, equipment, and workforce which have the potential to substantially impact delivery of care, costs, and accessibility within the State. The plan should also address how to improve health services delivery in the State, recognize operational efficiencies, and maximize resource utilization. The secretary shall establish and appoint members to a health planning advisory committee to provide advice in the development of the plan. Members of the advisory committee shall include health care providers, consumers, payers, and public health professionals. Members of the advisory committee are allowed the usual mileage and subsistence as provided for members of boards, committees, and commissions;

Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 44-12-40(4) and inserting:

 (4) shall have the authority to determine the appropriate course of treatment for patients with complex or co-occurring diagnoses necessitating involvement of two or more component departments, provided that the determination may not preempt or override treatment decisions arrived at between a patient and his physician;