The public policy-making structure consists of various branches
of government and each has its own impact on policymaking and
implementation.
State-Level policymaking:
- Most of the policy-making are made at the state level.
- State legislatures will pass the law based on the need of
programme, and availability of money within the state.
- State administrative agencies will implement the laws.
- The governor is the head who will have the power of regulating
health policy.
- Each state has its own unique policy.
Federal Government:
- The federal government has all rights in the legislative power
and to make a proper law necessary for the people.
- It includes three main federal agencies such as the Department
of Health and Human Sciences, Department of defense, and Department
of Veteran Affairs.
- Department of Health and Human science will look after the
activities of medical research, substance abuse, and prevention
services.
- It also covers the insurance programme.
- It establishes health programs. e.g AIDS Bureau.
- Veterans Health Administration offers a healthcare delivery
through health plans.
- VHA offer health services to low-income groups.
Local government:
- Local government protects the public health through
health-related agencies.
- It deals with the environmental health, behavioral health,
child and family services.
- It carries out the state-specific health programmes and health
functions.
- It provides services of immunizations, epidemiological
surveillance, community health, food safety, and mental health
services.