Assignment:
There are several government agencies that impact the health of Americans. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the leading public health agency in the USA. HHS administers diverse health and human services, conducts important health research, and executes various programs aimed at protecting and serving the nation through its 11 operating divisions, (eight agencies within the U.S. Public Health Service and three human services agencies) (HHS, 2015). For this assignment, select one of the operating divisions of HHS or an HHS program and complete the following.
1. General introductory statement that includes some basic information on the US public health system and the HHS to lead into your discussion of the operating division you have selected to review.
2. Outline key phases in the history and development of your selected agency or program.
a. When was the agency established
b. Include any legislation or policy decisions that led up to the formation of the agency
c. Specifically, comment on how the Affordable Care Act and/or other policy or legislation may have impacted the agency/program, its services, and target population(s).
3. Briefly describe major features of the agency or program, including:
a. Subsidiary agencies/departments/divisions
b. Services covered or provided
c. Eligible population
d. Infrastructure, e.g., annual budget, staffing, sponsoring agency
e. Documented efficiency and/or effectiveness
4. Discuss the policy process that supports the agency or program, i.e.,
a. Is the agency/program an entitlement (mandatory) or discretionary program?
b. Based on the above, explain the federal budget process for appropriating agency/program funds. In other words, how is the program funded?
c. Which House and Senate committees have jurisdiction over the agency/program?
d. Roles of federal versus state governments in financing the agency/program.
e. Roles of federal, state, and local governments in administering (delivering) the services of the agency/program.
f. What groups have an interest in the agency/program and advocate for it?
g. What groups advocate against the agency/program?
5. Identify what activities have been conducted and what type of funding (if any) has been provided to improve the health of the residents of the state of KY or any other state in HHS Region 4.
6. Comment on the sustainability and future outlook of the agency/program, including both challenges and opportunities.
a. Those could be in the areas of budget/funding, human resources, supply and demand for program services, or any other strategic or operational matter pertaining to the program. You can add your opinion and perspectives in this section.