South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-112 - Implementation of Emergency Health Powers Act
Section 61-112.2 - Definitions
Unless otherwise defined below, terms in this regulation have the definitions set forth in S.C. Code Ann. Section 44-4-130, S.C. Code Ann. Section 44-29-10(C), and S.C. Code Ann. Regulation 61-20.
"Administer"--the direct application of a drug or device pursuant to a lawful order of a practitioner to the body of a patient by injection, inhalation, ingestion, topical application, or any other means.
"Commissioner"--the commissioner of the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or his designee.
"Dispense"--the transfer of possession of one or more doses of a drug or device by a licensed pharmacist or person permitted by law, to the ultimate consumer or his agent pursuant to a lawful order of a practitioner in a suitable container appropriately labeled for subsequent administration to, or use by, a patient. As an element of dispensing, the dispenser shall, before the actual physical transfer, interpret and assess the prescription order for potential adverse reactions or side effects, interactions, allergies, dosage, and regimen the dispenser considers appropriate in the exercise of his professional judgment, and the dispenser shall determine that the drug or device called for by the prescription is ready for dispensing. The dispenser shall also provide counseling on proper drug usage, either orally or in writing, as provided in this chapter. The actual sales transaction and delivery of a drug or device is not considered dispensing and the administration is not.
"Distribute"--the delivery of a drug or device other than by administering or dispensing
"Emergency medical services"--the arrangement of personnel, facilities, and equipment for the delivery of health care services under emergency conditions.
"First Responder"--a health care worker, disaster relief worker, public safety officer, mortuary staff, or other individuals directly engaged in examining, treating or directing persons or animals during a Public Health Emergency.
"Initiating Event"--1) the release of contaminants or infectious agents, 2) the spread of communicable disease, or 3) an accumulation of observations which lead to the conclusion that contamination may have been released, or that a communicable disease has begun to spread by either a natural or intentional event, with the potential for widespread public health impact. The existence of an Initiating Event may be inferred, based upon data and observations, and need not be a discrete event localized in time or place.
"Medical Supplies"--antitoxins, serums, vaccines, immunizing agents, antibiotics, and other pharmaceutical agents or medical supplies
"Official List of Reportable Diseases"--the list published pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Regulation Regulation 61-20 as amended from time to time.
"Route of Transmission"--the pathway by which an individual may be exposed to an infectious or communicable disease, or chemical or radiological contamination; includes consideration of physical pathways (aerosol, droplet, vapor, blood-borne, body fluids, or direct contact), biological pathways (human to human, animal to human, or other biological vectors), and receptor route (inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption).
"Strategic National Stockpile" or "SNS"--a national repository of antibiotics, chemical antidotes, antitoxins, life-support medications, IV administration, airway maintenance supplies, and medical/surgical items. The SNS is designed to supplement and re-supply state and local public health agencies in the event of a national emergency anywhere and at anytime within the U.S. or its territories.
