The following laws and regulations provide the legal basis for health education in the United States:
* The Public Health Service Act (1944) establishes the U.S. Public Health Service and authorizes the agency to provide health education services.
* The Social Security Act (1935) authorizes the provision of health education services through the federal-state Medicaid program.
* The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (1965) authorizes the federal government to provide funding for health education programs in elementary and secondary schools.
* The Comprehensive Health Education Act (1990) authorizes the federal government to provide funding for comprehensive health education programs in states and communities.
* The Ryan White CARE Act (1990) authorizes the federal government to provide funding for the provision of health education services to individuals with HIV/AIDS.
* The School Health Policy and Programs Study Act (1996) authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct a study on the status of school health education policies and programs in the United States.
* The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act (2004) authorizes the CDC to develop educational tools to help schools and child care settings promote healthy eating and physical activity.
* The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010) authorizes the creation of the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which provides funding for a variety of prevention and public health programs, including health education.
In addition to these federal laws, many states and local governments also have laws and regulations that govern health education in schools and communities. These laws and regulations vary from state to state, so it is important to be familiar with the specific laws that apply in your area.