Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which agency is primarily responsible for the health and welfare of U.S. citizens?

1. United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

2. Public Health Service.

3. Health Resources and Services Administration.

4. World Health Organization.

The correct answer is: United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is primarily responsible for overseeing the health and welfare of U.S. citizens because it is the main governmental body dedicated to health-related issues. Specifically, DHHS works to enhance the health and well-being of Americans through various programs, policies, and initiatives. It encompasses numerous agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), all of which contribute to its mission of promoting public health. While the Public Health Service plays a vital role in protecting and advancing public health, it operates under the DHHS umbrella. The Health Resources and Services Administration focuses on improving access to healthcare through various programs but is not the primary agency responsible for overall health policy. The World Health Organization is a global entity that focuses on health issues across countries, but its jurisdiction does not extend to managing health and welfare specifically for U.S. citizens. Therefore, the DHHS stands out as the key agency responsible for the health and welfare of the nation's population.