S.C. Code Ann. § 1-30-135

There is hereby created, within the executive branch of the state government, the Department of Public Health, headed by a director appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The divisions, offices, and programs of the Department of Health and Environmental Control performing functions related to regulation and protection of the public health prior to the effective date of this act, including all of the allied, advisory, affiliated, or related entities as well as the employees, funds, property, and all contractual rights and obligations associated with these divisions, offices, programs, and other related entities, except for those subdivisions specifically included under another department, are hereby transferred to and incorporated in and shall be administered as part of the Department of Public Health.