South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Responsibilities

Responsibilities

DHEC staffs:

• respond to environmental emergencies 24 hours a day;
• perform lab tests to identify viruses, hazardous chemicals and other health threats;
• inspect restaurants;
• counsel patients on family planning;
• fund diagnostic exams and treatment for children with special needs;
• oversee treatment of tuberculosis patients;
• provide birth and death certificates;
• inform the public about health and environmental issues;
• immunize children for entry into school;
• offer sickle cell testing and counseling;
• advise industry on ways to minimize solid and hazardous waste;
• help schools and restaurants provide low-fat menus;
• monitor the quality of public water supplies;
• provide home health care services;
• advise legislators on health and environmental consequences of proposed laws;
• monitor emissions from industrial sources;
• counsel HIV/AIDS patients and staff the AIDS hotline;
• inspect waste management and treatment facilities;
• work to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases;
• issue environmental permits;
• inspect hospitals and nursing homes;
• evaluate and issue Certificates of Need for new or expanding health care facilities;
• identify infants and toddlers with developmental delays through BabyNet;
• talk with students interested in health and environmental careers;
• analyze data on births and deaths to assess the state's health status;
• promote rabies clinics in cooperation with local veterinarians;
• advocate health services for the needy;
• educate children about cavities and other dental problems;
• investigate pollution allegations;
• patrol shellfish beds;
• track underground storage tanks for possible pollution;
• certify emergency medical services staff and their equipment;
• authorize hazardous waste transport;
• ensure attention to the health needs of minorities;
• permit and inspect public pools, water parks, spas, and natural swimming areas;
• implement programs to prevent tobacco use;
• recruit health care workers for rural areas;
• provide nutrition counseling and food supplements through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC);
• evaluate compliance with air and water standards;
• ensure access to health services for migrant health workers;
• evaluate activities affecting wetlands;
• provide education and injury prevention programs;
• inspect for environmental lead if screening tests show elevated levels;
• license facilities that use or store radioactive materials;
• provide funding education and technical assistance for recycling programs;
• inspect dairies and soft drink plants;
• issue air quality advisories for specific areas of the state;