(A)(1) DHEC may, for such period as the state of public health emergency exists, collect or cause to be collected specimens and perform tests on any person or animal, living or deceased, and acquire any previously collected specimens or test results that are reasonable and necessary to respond to the public health emergency.
(2) Specimens shall be collected only from those individuals who agree to have specimens collected or who agree to have tests performed.
(3) All specimens must be clearly marked.
(4) Specimen collection, handling, storage, and transport to the testing site must be performed in a manner that will reasonably preclude specimen contamination or adulteration and provide for the safe collection, storage, handling, and transport of the specimen.
(5) Any person authorized to collect specimens or perform tests must use chain of custody procedures to ensure proper recordkeeping, handling, labeling, and identification of specimens to be tested. This requirement applies to all specimens, including specimens collected using on-site testing kits.
(B) Any business, facility, or agency authorized to collect specimens or perform tests must provide such support as is reasonable and necessary to aid in a relevant criminal investigation.
HISTORY: 2002 Act No. 339, Section 24, eff July 2, 2002.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 4 - Emergency Health Powers
Section 44-4-100. Short title.
Section 44-4-110. Legislative findings and intent.
Section 44-4-130. Definitions.
Section 44-4-300. Powers over dangerous facilities and materials.
Section 44-4-310. Use of health care facility or services in response to public health emergency.
Section 44-4-320. Powers and duties regarding safe disposal of human remains.
Section 44-4-340. Destruction of property; civil proceedings.
Section 44-4-500. Control and treatment of infectious disease.
Section 44-4-520. Vaccinations and treatment.
Section 44-4-530. Isolation and quarantine of individuals or groups; penalty for noncompliance.
Section 44-4-540. Isolation and quarantine procedures; order to show cause for not releasing.
Section 44-4-550. Specimen collection and testing.
Section 44-4-560. Access to protected health information; disclosure.