Overview
The Federal government promotes and supports health services and disease prevention activities for its employees. Agencies are encouraged to adopt health policies and programs that reduce the risk of premature morbidity and mortality and disability, foster healthy lifestyles, and support a healthy working environment.
The worksite is an effective and convenient place for employees to receive employee health education and services. In the Federal government, these programs are now widely established and are well accepted as a valuable resource for enhancing work force effectiveness.
Scope of Employee Health Services
Traditionally, employee health services (e.g., immunizations, physical examinations, medical screening tests, and first aid) are provided to employees through health units located at the worksite. Recently, many agencies have expanded the scope of services and established more comprehensive disease prevention and health promotion programs to help employees assess, improve, and maintain a state of good health. Most departments and agencies in the Federal government have some type of health promotion activity. Some of the most common programs offered at the Federal worksite are health screenings, exercise activities, and health education and intervention activities, e.g., weight control, stress management, smoking cessation and nutrition.
Methods of Operation
There are various ways in which agencies can develop, organize, manage and deliver their employee health programs and services. The methods chosen depend on the agency mission, health needs, program goals and objectives, and of course available resources. Typically, employee health programs are provided through one, or a combination, of the following: 1) agency staff; 2) contractor; 3) interagency agreement; 4) Cooperative Administrative Support Unit; 5) non-profit employee associations; 6) volunteer services; 7) health unit; and 8) off-site health facility.
Methods of Funding
Employee health programs are either: (1) fully funded by the agency; (2) funded by a combination of employees' fees and agency funding; or (3) fully funded by employee contributions or fees. Federal agencies are authorized to establish within the limits of appropriations available, health programs to promote and maintain the physical and mental fitness of Federal employees (5 U.S.C. § 7901). The extent to which agencies pay for such services depends on budget, employee needs, and the agency mission. Many agencies are exploring ways to share the cost with the employee. For example, many Federal fitness facilities are employee funded but agencies typically pay for the rent of space and start-up costs.
The following are other Federal agencies providing health promotion information:
Information on legal and regulatory
authorities related to Employee Health Programs, along
with agency responsibilities,
can also be found at this site.
Questions or comments may be mailed to the Office of Work/Life Programs, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Room 7425, Theodore Roosevelt Building, 1900 E Street, NW., Washington, DC 20415-2000. You may call us at (202) 606-5520; fax (202) 606-2091; or email ehs@opm.gov
