What is the primary role of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)?

The primary role of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is to promote and protect the health of the public and environment. This encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including ensuring access to quality healthcare services, managing public health initiatives, overseeing environmental protection efforts, and responding to public health emergencies.

While the other choices reflect important aspects of healthcare and regulatory functions, they do not capture the comprehensive mission of DHEC. The regulation of medical practices and licensing of healthcare professionals are specific functions that fall under broader categories of health regulation but do not define the overall mission of DHEC. Similarly, overseeing drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs is a specific aspect of public health services but still operates within the larger framework of promoting and protecting overall health and safety for South Carolinians. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the fundamental role of DHEC in safeguarding both public health and the environment in the state.