Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What was the first significant federal action related to health in the United States?

1. Passage of the Social Security Act

2. Creation of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

3. Creation of the Public Health Service (PHS)

4. Creation of Medicare and Medicaid

The correct answer is: Creation of the Public Health Service (PHS)

The creation of the Public Health Service (PHS) in 1798 is recognized as the first significant federal involvement in health in the United States. This action marked the federal government's formal recognition of its responsibility to protect and advance the health of the public. The PHS was established to improve the health of the American population through various public health measures, including the management of marine hospitals, the control of diseases, and the promotion of health education. This early initiative laid the groundwork for subsequent public health systems and policies that would evolve over the years, ultimately leading to more comprehensive health interventions at both national and state levels. In contrast, while the Social Security Act and the creation of Medicare and Medicaid represent critical advancements in public health and welfare, they occurred later, addressing different facets of health and economic security rather than establishing initial federal engagement in public health issues. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also played a significant role later in the promotion of health through research, but it did not initially set the precedent for federal health action as the PHS did. Therefore, the establishment of the PHS is viewed as the foundational action that initiated the federal government's active role in public health.