South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-112 - Implementation of Emergency Health Powers Act
Section 61-112.3 - Declaration of Public Health Emergency; Roles of Agencies

A. The Governor, in consultation with the Public Health Emergency Plan Committee, has the authority to declare a state of Public Health Emergency. DHEC will provide information and advice to the Committee and to the Governor before and after declaration of a state of Public Health Emergency.

B. It is inherent in the nature of public health emergencies that some actions must be taken before the declaration of a state of Public Health Emergency. Nothing in this regulation shall be construed to limit DHEC's authority or obligation, before the declaration of a state of Public Health Emergency, to undertake such investigations or to take such actions pursuant to Code Sections 13-7-40 and -50, 44-1-80 and 44-1-140, 44-55-60, and 44-56-50 as may be necessary to detect, identify, and control the spread of communicable diseases or of biological, chemical, or radiological agents capable of causing disease or injury.

C. DHEC shall request the assistance of public safety agencies, coroners, medical examiners, professional licensing boards, professional associations, health care facilities, and vendors delivering goods and services to health care facilities and medical professionals to implement this regulation. Where specifically provided for by statute or regulation, such requests shall have the force of law.