GOVERNING AGENCIES

GOVERNING AGENCIES Agencies, like the FDA, EPA, OSHA and at

least 50 others, are called "regulatory" or “governing” agencies, because they are empowered to create and enforce rules -- regulations -- that carry the full force of a law. Individuals, businesses, private and public organizations can be fined, sanctioned, forced to close, and even jailed for violating federal regulations.

GOVERNING AGENCY: an organization that is responsible for the

oversight and administration of specific functions May be established by either a national

government or a state government within the federal system

TYPES OF GOVERNING AGENCIES A. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

1. Responsible for: protecting the public health by assuring that foods are

safe, wholesome, sanitary and properly labeled; human and veterinary drugs, and vaccines and other biological products and medical devices intended for human use are safe and effective

protecting the public from electronic product radiation assuring cosmetics and dietary supplements are safe

and properly label regulating tobacco products advancing the public health by helping to speed product

innovations helping the public get the accurate science-based

information they need to use medicines, devices, and foods to improve their health

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) Regulates

foods, except for most meat and poultry products, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

food additives infant formulas dietary supplements human drugs vaccines, blood products, and other biologics medical devices, from simple items like tongue depressors,

to complex technologies such as heart pacemakers electronic products that give off radiation, such as

microwave ovens and X-ray equipment cosmetics feed, drugs, and devices used for pets, farm animals, and

other animals tobacco products

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) Does not regulate

advertising (except for prescription drugs, medical devices, and tobacco products)

alcoholic beverages some consumer products, such as paint, child-

resistant packages, baby toys, and household appliances (except for those that give off radiation)

illegal drugs of abuse, such as heroin and marijuana

health insurance meat and poultry (except for game meats, such as

venison, ostrich, and snake) restaurants and grocery stores

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) The CDC is one of the major operating

components of the Department of Health and Human Services

The CDC mission is to collaborate to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health – through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) The CDC seeks to accomplish its mission by

working with partners throughout the nation and the world to: monitor health detect and investigate health problems conduct research to enhance prevention develop and advocate sound public health

policies implement prevention strategies promote healthy behaviors foster safe and healthful environments provide leadership and training

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH (NIH) The NIH mission is to seek fundamental

knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and then apply that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability

THE GOALS OF THE NIH ARE to foster fundamental creative discoveries,

innovative research strategies, and their application as a basis for ultimately protecting and improving health;

to develop, maintain, and renew scientific human and physical resources that will ensure the Nation’s capability to prevent disease;

to expand the knowledge base in medical and associated sciences in order to enhance the Nation’s economic well-being and ensure a continued high return on the public investment in research; and

to exemplify and promote the highest level of scientific integrity, public accountability, and social responsibility in the conduct of science

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) 1. WHO is the directing and coordinating

authority for health within the United Nations system

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR providing leadership on global matters critical to

health and engaging in partnerships where joint action is needed;

shaping the research agenda and stimulating the generation, translation and dissemination of valuable knowledge;

setting norms and standards and promoting and monitoring their implementation;

articulating ethical and evidence-based policy options;

providing technical support, catalyzing change, and building sustainable institutional capacity; and

monitoring the health situation and assessing health trends.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) Congress created OSHA to assure safe and

healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance

OSHA standards are rules that describe the methods that employers must use to protect their employees from hazards in construction, maritime operations, and general Industry, which is the set that applies to most worksites

OSHA requires employers to monitor hazards and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses

OSHA STANDARD EXAMPLES provide fall protection prevent trenching cave-ins prevent infectious diseases ensure that workers safely enter confined

spaces prevent exposure to harmful substances like

asbestos put guards on machines provide respirators or other safety equipment provide training for certain dangerous jobs

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (NIOSH) The US federal agency responsible for

conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work related injury and illness

NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (NIOSH) NIOSH abides by a strategic plan for meeting

institutional goals and allocating resources. The Institute has three main goals a. to conduct research to reduce work-related

illnesses and injuries b. to promote safe and healthy workplaces

through intervention, recommendations and capacity building

c. to enhance global workplace safety and health through international collaborations

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) EPA is charged with protecting human health

and the environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) Air – an important component of EPA’s mission is

to protect and improve air quality in order to avoid or mitigate the consequences of air pollution’s harmful effects. Air pollution can adversely affect critical functions of the atmosphere in many ways.

Climate – climate change is a problem that is affecting people and the environment. Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer). Greater energy efficiency and new technologies hold promise for reducing greenhouse gases and solving this global challenge

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) Emergencies – EPA has resources for you to be prepared

for and respond to both natural disasters and hazardous substance spills.

Green Living – our actions impact the environment. Today we realize that each thing we do can help or hurt our planet in many ways. We all need to take ownership of environmental protection. EPA has tools to help you learn and understand the issues and help you reduce your environmental footprint.

Land and Cleanup – land is the source of many natural and renewable resources. It also supports residential, industrial, commercial, transportation, and other uses. Land and the ecosystems that it is a part of, provides services such as trapping chemicals as they move through soil, storing and breaking down chemicals and wastes, and filtering and storing water.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) Pesticides, Toxins, and Chemicals – EPA’s mission is to

protect you, your family, and the environment from potential risks from pesticides and toxic chemicals. Through innovative partnerships and collaboration, they also work to prevent pollution before it begins. This reduces waste, saves energy and natural resources, and leaves our homes, schools and workplaces cleaner and safer.

Waste – nearly everything we do leaves behind some kind of waste. Households create ordinary garbage, while industrial and manufacturing processes create solid and hazardous wastes.

Water – water is essential for life and plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the Earth’s ecosystems. Water pollution has a serious impact on all living creatures, and can negatively affect the use of water for drinking, household needs, recreation, fishing, transportation and commerce.