(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.