The Secretary of Health and Human Services has an exciting and varied role. The Secretary is in charge of 11 different agencies that conduct research, implement health interventions and promote public health. In most cases, the Secretary has substantial medical, public administration and public health experience and education so they can effectively oversee every aspect of their department. A great Secretary can manage the political demands of the U.S. Congress and President while satisfying the individual heads of each agency under their purview. Here are five of the Secretary’s most important duties.
Advise the President of the United States
As with every cabinet member, the Health and Human Services Secretary’s primary role is to advise the President. The Secretary serves as an expert in their department’s activities and should be ready to discuss public health, food safety and welfare programs at any time. They might suggest new policies to the President, discuss whether legislation should be signed or promote the President’s strategies for health care delivery. This position is politically appointed, so it usually goes to a qualified supporter of the President.
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Oversee the Food and Drug Administration
Food safety is a significant concern to the federal government. The Department of Health and Human Services monitors food labeling, production and quality control. It assists in investigating the outbreak of food-borne illnesses. The department also controls the legalization of pharmaceuticals in the United States. New drugs must undergo rigorous testing under the FDA before being released to consumers. The Secretary has the ultimate authority over the FDA and its policies, but the FDA’s commissioner runs the day-to-day operations of the agency.
Set Medicare and Medicaid Polices
The most politically visible role of the Secretary of the DHHS is to guide Medicare and Medicaid policies. Because Medicare affects millions of older citizens and Medicaid affects millions of children and low-income Americans, these policies can be controversial. Some Secretaries start reform programs to increase the efficiency of billing or administration for these public health insurance programs.
Manage the CDC
The United States is home to one of the top public health agencies in the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researches new vaccines, examines pathogens and conducts epidemiological studies across the globe. Within the United States, the CDC administers public health programs, monitors American health statistics and sends epidemiological experts to help states manage local disease outbreaks. The CDC helps prevent cancer, promote healthy eating and exercise and monitor the impact of Zika on American health. This agency also helps promote American interests abroad by responding to emergencies like the Ebola outbreak in western Africa. Although the CDC is led by a director, the Secretary of Health and Human Services has authority over that person.
Oversee the Indian Health Service
The federal government provides substantial health care services to Native American populations as part of long-standing political negotiations. The Health and Human Services Secretary is responsible for guiding the overall direction of the Indian Health Services. This includes creating incentive packages to entice providers, managing the budget and deciding where to locate clinics. The Indian Health Service also manages health care access for Native American veterans, addresses the diabetes and alcoholism epidemics in this population and works with local leaders to determine appropriate health priorities.
The Department of Health and Human Services fills many important roles for Americans. Even if you never become the Secretary of Health and Human Services, you can still find a fulfilling career in the DHHS.
