Which of the following is one of the Ten Essential Public Health Services?

• A. Monitor health status.
• B. Develop policies.
• C. Enforce laws.
• D. Assure a competent workforce.

Answer: (B)

Public health practice relies on a defined set of essential services that describe what agencies do to protect and improve health. Developing policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts is one of these services. This matches the explicit idea of turning evidence into organized guidance, rules, and programs that shape actions, resources, and priorities for health. While monitoring health status, enforcing laws, and assuring a competent workforce are also important essential services, the option about developing policies directly reflects the named policy and planning function central to the public health framework.