South Carolina governor signs BH restructuring bill into law

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster last week was joined by members of the General Assembly, state agency leaders and other state officials for a ceremonial bill signing of S. 2, establishing the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) and completing the most significant restructuring of South Carolina state government in more than 30 years, a news release from the governor's office stated. “This reform represents the single most important step we've taken in over 30 years to bring direct accountability and leadership to the delivery of critical health and human services,” said McMaster. “For too long, South Carolinians struggling with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders have had to navigate through a confusing landscape of offices, agencies and officials as they seek help for a loved one or dependent. The legislation merges the former Department of Mental Health, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs and Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services into a single, cabinet‐level agency directly accountable to the governor. The reform effort began in 2023 when Governor McMaster called for an independent review of the state's behavioral health system. That review found South Carolina had the most fragmented and siloed system in the nation, which created inefficiencies and confusion for those seeking care.