The Columbia (state capital) Health Department, now known as the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), has recently released new guidelines and policy updates impacting a range of health care services and waiver programs in September 2025. Here are the most important highlights:
Key Guidelines & Updates
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers:
The Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) has announced substantial amendments to its waivers, including Community Choices, Community Supports, Head and Spinal Cord Injury, HIV/AIDS, Intellectual Disability/Related Disabilities, and Medically Complex Children programs.
Changes include streamlining entrance policies, updating participant categories, aligning with new federal CMS Access Rules, and revising standards for services such as home-delivered meals.
The amendments take effect on November 1, 2025 (for some waivers) and January 1, 2026 (for others).
Vaccine Requirements & Immunizations:
For the 2025-2026 school year, updated vaccination requirements for school entry have been posted. Notably, COVID-19 vaccines are not required for school children in the coming academic year.
Restructuring of State Health Agencies:
References to “DHEC” are now updated to “Department of Public Health (DPH)” and state disability services now fall under the newly established Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Public Involvement & Webinars:
The DPH scheduled public webinars in early September to explain these policy changes, including how they impact eligibility and access to services.
Additional Notes
The SCDHHS has ended the Healthy Connections Prime program demonstration in light of new CMS rules for dual-eligible Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
Updated certificates of immunization for K-12 school entry are now available online.
Residents, health service providers, and families are encouraged to review these changes on the department’s official website or participate in upcoming informational webinars for further guidance.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.scdhhs.gov/communications/waiver-amendments-community-choices-community-supports-head-and-spinal-cord-injury)
[2](https://dph.sc.gov/health-wellness/child-teen-health/vaccine-requirements-info)
[3](https://dph.sc.gov/news/sc-certificate-immunization-5k-12th-grade-school-entry-now-available-online)[4](https://www.selecthealthofsc.com/content/dam/first-choice/selecthealthofsc/pdf/provider/newsletters-and-updates/2025/select-news-q1-2025.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf)
[5](https://www.maynardnexsen.com/publication-key-health-care-issues-to-track-in-2025-in-the-carolinas)
