Public Health Service Act 1912

Successes

Dexterity in its formatting. Prioritization of collaboration and organizational empowerment through the PHS. More specialized organizations were able to better spearhead specific concerns and contribute more to the cause with the resources of the PHS. Authorizing health surveys and and water pollution studies, it began national standards for drinking water in 1914 and initiated federal policy on regulation of human waste disposal. These water regulations and wastes disposal initiatives have been considered to be environmental successes.

Overview and History

1798: "Act for the Relief of Sick and Disabled Seamen" -Seamen were getting sick everywhere and couldn't find adequate healthcare -Allowed seamen to receive care at tax funded marine hospitals Over the years- changes and additional legislation occurred to adopt more military principles and ideals in public health 1889: The Commissioned Corps was recognized as the official uniformed service of the Marine Hospital Service 1902: Changed the name to the Public Health and Marine Hospital Service -U.S. born citizens -Immigrants 1912: Name- Public Health Service

Criticisms:

Original contaminant limits placed drinking standards were meant only for the waterways used in transport in effort to protect those that used them. This was later rectified sixty years later to incorporate water use for consumption.

Challenges and Updates

Original contaminant limits placed were meant only for the waterways used in transport in effort to protect those that used them. This was later rectified sixty years later to incorporate water use for consumption.

Key Features

Broadened the powers of the Public Health Service by authorizing investigations into human diseases, sanitation, water supplies and sewage disposal Investigations into diseases such as tuberculosis, hookworm, malaria and leprosy allowed them to better understand the root of the disease / work on saving those who were suffering from these diseases Went no further - basic

Adoption

The 1912 legislation authorized the investigation of: -Human diseases outbreaks malaria, smallpox, pneumonia and typhoid - Sewage disposal and water supply and sanitation. Concerned with impending war, the PHS was consolidated twice in order to better organize for specialty and Dealing with pre during and post war water considerations. The PHS began to conduct other health studies The PHS also extended its activities to include the American Indians, the Alaska Natives, African Americans, migrant workers, federal prisoners, and refugees, and to the nation as a whole around 1955. health. The PHS has since expanded its focus to biomedical research, food and drug regulation, mental health and drug abuse, health care delivery, and international.