A BILL TO TRANSFER THE SOUTH CAROLINA 211 NETWORK TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS; TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 37-6-515 SO AS TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA 211 NETWORK WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 1-11-770, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA 211 NETWORK, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
Impact
The legislation seeks to streamline the delivery of health and human services by electronically connecting local information and referral systems to service providers and consumers. It also mandates the establishment of standards for data collection and distribution, which aims to improve data accessibility and use in identifying community needs. By formally integrating the 211 Network into the Department of Consumer Affairs, the state hopes to create a more structured approach to handling health-related inquiries and referrals.
Summary
House Bill H4704 aims to enhance the structure and functionality of the South Carolina 211 Network by transferring its operations to the Department of Consumer Affairs. This transition, effective July 1, 2026, is intended to establish the 211 Network as a centralized source of information and referral services for health and human services across the state. One of the primary objectives of the bill is to provide comprehensive access to resources and improve the coordination of these services among local organizations and state agencies.
Contention
As the bill progresses, there may be points of contention regarding the oversight and regulatory framework for the 211 Network. Stakeholders could raise concerns about the adequacy of resources allocated to the Department of Consumer Affairs for effectively managing the network and ensuring service provider certification. Additionally, the transition of the 211 function could spark debates about the best practices for data management and public awareness campaigns needed to ensure that citizens can readily access these services.