tom davis Archives - SC Senate Republican Caucus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 21, 2024

SENATE REPUBLICANS PASS LANDMARK HEALTH AGENCY REFORM

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Today, the Senate gave third reading to S. 915, a bill to consolidate existing state health agencies into the new, cabinet-level Executive Office of Health and Policy. The legislation by Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler, Senate President Thomas Alexander, and others, enacts sweeping reforms of an ineffective system of health bureaucracy and brings real, tangible benefits to South Carolina taxpayers.

“I am pleased that the healthcare reorganization bill passed the Senate today,” said Senate President Thomas Alexander. “This legislation will give citizens a more accountable, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of medical services. I hope the bill moves quickly to the Governor’s desk so these reforms can become a reality.”

The bill prioritizes accountability by placing the Secretary of Health and Policy under the authority of the Governor instead of unelected board members.

Senator Tom Davis, chairman of the Medical Affairs subcommittee that received testimony on the bill, added: “An analysis of all fifty states revealed that South Carolina has the most fragmented healthcare delivery system in the nation, and predictably, poor health outcomes. Today, however, the South Carolina Senate passed a bill to consolidate six independent, overlapping, and inefficient health agencies and create a delivery system that is responsive, effective, and accountable.”

S. 915 is the culmination of years of hard work and the third major healthcare reform bill to pass out of the upper chamber this legislative session, following landmark bills to repeal Certificate of Need and split DHEC.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2023

SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE PASSES HEALTHCARE REFORM BILL

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Yesterday, the South Carolina Senate, under Republican leadership, overwhelmingly adopted S. 164, a bill to end the certification of need requirements for healthcare facilities. The bill, which received bipartisan support, aims to increase access to healthcare and decrease the cost of treatment.

“With this vote, South Carolinians are one step closer to greater access to more and better healthcare options, especially in rural areas of our State,” Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said. “In bipartisan fashion, Senators voted to end the outdated Certificate of Need program, thereby eliminating the need to ask the government for permission to open a healthcare facility or purchase equipment. The State should not be in the business of determining who can be in the healthcare business. More facilities and better equipment will enable more opportunities for treatment and lower costs of care. We look forward to working with the House of Representatives to send this important reform to Governor McMaster as soon as possible.”

The adoption of S. 164, by Senator Climer of York County, marks the second time the Senate has voted for a repeal of the Certificate of Need (CON) program, sending a very similar bill to the House last year. This session, due to the popularity of the legislation, the bill moved quickly out of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee and secured a priority position on the calendar.

“S. 164 will help treat a sick regulatory system that’s hindered South Carolinians access to healthcare. Getting rid of bureaucratic red tape means better health outcomes for this generation,” said Danny Verdin, Chairman of the Medical Affairs Committee.

“Twelve states have repealed their CON laws and the effect is clear and irrefutable: healthcare access and quality increases and costs decrease, especially in rural areas,” Senator Tom Davis, who advocated for the bill on the floor of the Senate, added. “For this reason, both the Obama and the Trump administrations urged states to repeal CON laws that give hospitals a monopoly over healthcare.”

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PRESS RELEASE: Senate Republicans Pass Landmark Health Agency Reform

PRESS RELEASE: South Carolina Senate Passes Healthcare Reform Bill