DPH Authorizes One-Time Early Refill of Schedule III-V Prescriptions Due to Winter Storm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 31, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Due to the winter storm that will impact South Carolina over the weekend and into next week, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has authorized a one-time early refill of Schedule III-V prescriptions for valid refills that are due through Feb. 4, 2026. View the waiver.
Dispensers shall pull all original controlled substances prescriptions and document the early refill information in detail, including, but not limited to, date, time, reason for early refill, and pharmacist signature.
“We are taking this action due to the potential for interruptions of services and to reduce possible danger to individuals traveling following the storm,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim director of DPH.
Authority for this action is pursuant to S.C. Code Section 25-1-440 and Executive Order No. 2026-02, issued Jan. 21, 2026. In accordance with Section 25-1-440(a)(3), Governor McMaster has further ordered that a state agency, through its director, waive or suspend provisions of existing regulations prescribing procedures for conduct of state business if strict compliance with the provisions thereof would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency.
Compliance with this authorization supersedes any conflicting requirement of Regulation 60-4.
###
Tags
DPH Authorizes One-Time Early Refill of Schedule III-V Prescriptions Due to Winter Storm
View AllDPH Stands Down Winter Storm Triage Line; Care Line Resumes Normal Hours
Read Full ArticleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Feb. 1, 2026COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is standing down its winter storm-related Triage Line for Medical Equipment Power Shelters eligibility and resuming normal hours of the agency’s Care Line (1-855-472-3432) as of 2 p.m. today.
Both services have been operating 24 hours a day since Jan. 31.
The Care Line will resume its normal operating hours of Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
-
DPH Confirms Two Additional Winter Storm-Related Deaths in South Carolina, Bringing Total to Six
Read Full ArticleCorrection: All four previous deaths have been included.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 31, 2026COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is announcing two additional deaths confirmed as being related to the winter storm that swept through the state this past weekend, bringing the total number of storm-related fatalities to six.
-
DPH Authorizes One-Time Early Refill of Schedule III-V Prescriptions Due to Winter Storm
Read Full ArticleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 31, 2026COLUMBIA, S.C. – Due to the winter storm that will impact South Carolina over the weekend and into next week, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has authorized a one-time early refill of Schedule III-V prescriptions for valid refills that are due through Feb. 4, 2026. View the waiver.
-
DPH's Medical Equipment Power Shelter Triage Line and Care Line Now Available 24/7
Read Full ArticleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 31, 2026COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has opened its Triage Line for residents to call to determine their eligibility for Medical Equipment Power Shelters (MEPS) during an emergency, considering the winter storm expected to impact the state this weekend. DPH has also expanded the hours of its Care Line to answer questions about DPH health department services that may be interrupted due to winter weather and provide other weather-related information.