Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) Practice Test

The correct response identifies the Department of Health and Human Services as the federal agency overseeing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is an agency within this larger department, which is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs, biological products, and medical devices, as well as the safety of our nation’s food supply. The Department of Health and Human Services encompasses various agencies focusing on health-related matters, making it the appropriate umbrella organization for the FDA. Other options listed do not directly oversee the FDA, as they serve different purposes and functions in the federal government. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is focused on workplace safety, the General Services Administration manages the procurement and management of government properties and services, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services administers the nation's major healthcare programs, which are separate from the FDA's core mission. Understanding the hierarchical structure of these agencies clarifies why the Department of Health and Human Services is the correct answer.