MURRELLS INLET -- A bill to merge six state healthcare agencies into the Executive Office of Health Policy and streamline the delivery of services has been filed by the chair of the House Ways and Means Healthcare Budget Subcommittee.

Rep. Lee Hewitt, R-Georgetown, says he filed the bill, H.3613, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s healthcare services.

“This legislation would eliminate healthcare fragmentation, gain cost efficiency, and enhance care quality and accessibility,” Hewitt said.

Hewitt’s bill would merge the Departments of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Disabilities and Special Needs, Public Health, Health and Human Services, Mental Health, and Aging into the Executive Office of Health Policy.

The Secretary of Health and Policy would be a cabinet level office, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of a majority vote in both the Senate and House. The Secretary can be removed from office by the Governor.

A similar bill was killed this year on a procedural vote in the House after concerns were expressed about the authority of the Secretary to enforce public heath emergencies. Click here for a news report.

“This bill rests the authority to enforce emergencies solely with the Governor,” Hewitt said. “Only the Governor can order law enforcement agencies or the national guard to assist the department in enforcing public health emergency measures, not the Secretary.”

“As a fiscal conservative, committed to limited government, this legislation would result in smaller, more efficient and effective government for state taxpayers, while enhancing healthcare quality and accessibility,” Hewitt said. “It’s a win for the conservative cause and for those in need of healthcare services.”

The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Hewitt is the Chief Majority Whip for the House Republican Caucus. He is a realtor and former SCDHEC board member.