SC reps: A bold proposal to make health care delivery better for you | Opinion
The authors are Republican representatives in the South Carolina House:
South Carolina has recently been identified as having the most fragmented healthcare delivery system in the nation, along with some of the worst healthcare outcomes. These two findings are clearly related and should ring alarm bells for anyone who cares about our state. In light of this finding, we believe the key to solving outcomes is creating a delivery system that is responsive, effective and accountable.
With that in mind, a significant legislative proposal has emerged—one that seeks to consolidate six of our state’s agencies into a new, unified entity: the Executive Office of Health and Policy. This move is not just about reducing dysfunction; it’s about a healthier South Carolina.
The bill, which we expect to be filed this week, would combine these agencies: Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Department of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Mental Health and the Department of Aging. The changes would begin to take effect in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Our current system, with its multiple agencies operating independently, often leads to a delivery system that allows agencies to escape responsibility for difficult outcomes. It has also, unfortunately, left many citizens who need to navigate it with a confusing, inefficient, and ineffective experience. In short: it has left citizens unsure of where to turn for the help they need.
Consolidating these agencies into a new, unified body ensures ownership of responsibility for the various facets of public health. By consolidating these agencies under a single umbrella, we can optimize their roles, and assure the right providers are aligned with the right needs.
A major benefit of consolidation lies in the improved coordination and organization of government activities. Our current structure often hampers effective collaboration between agencies, leading to a fragmented response to our citizen’s needs. Consolidation breaks down these silos, fostering a culture of collaboration.
A consolidated agency can act as a catalyst for innovation, bringing together the diverse perspectives needed to develop real solutions for the citizens of our state who need them most. This coordinated approach ensures that our government is not only responsive to the needs of its citizens but is also capable of proactively addressing emerging challenges.
This proposal will also bring with it a renewed focus on oversight and accountability—a cornerstone of good governance. A centralized structure allows for clearer lines of responsibility, making it easier to trace decision-making processes and hold individuals accountable for their actions.
Enhanced transparency is not only a matter of public trust but also a motivation for better governance. A consolidated agency allows for a more strategic allocation of resources, enabling our government to adapt swiftly to changing priorities. This financial agility is crucial in times of economic uncertainty or when faced with unexpected challenges, providing the government with the flexibility to meet the evolving needs of its citizens.
In envisioning a public health system that is responsive, efficient, and accountable, the consolidation of these state agencies into the new Executive Office of Health and Policy emerges as a transformational plan. This legislative proposal is not a call for austerity; it is a call for optimizing our government to better serve the needs and ultimately create better outcomes for the people.
As we navigate an ever-evolving landscape of challenges and opportunities, our governance structures must evolve in tandem. We remain confident that this vision to better serve the people of this state will be met with enthusiasm and necessity, as it goes through the legislative process in the coming weeks and months. We hope we are guided by the vision of a government that works smarter, collaborates more effectively, and ultimately delivers on its promise to serve the public interest.
This is a bold step toward a government that is more efficient, coordinated, and accountable — a government that is equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century. If we can remain committed to our ultimate goal of better outcomes for our citizens, we can turn this vision into a reality.
Bill Herbkersman represents District 118 - Beaufort County, and Weston Newton represents District 120 - Beaufort Jasper counties.
