History of Nebraska health department

An overhaul of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services System takes effect Monday, about 10 years after its last reorganization. Here's a look at some of the major changes in the department's history:

1891: The state Board of Health was created. It was composed of the governor, the attorney general and the superintendent of public instruction.

1918: The Board of Health was replaced by the state Department of Health.

1919: The Department of Health was abolished, and its duties were incorporated into the Department of Public Welfare. That agency also performed the duties of the boards of Charities and Corrections and Pardons and Paroles, as well as the Racing Commission.

1931: The Public Welfare department was abolished.

1932: The Legislature re-created the Department of Health.

1962: The Department of Public Welfare was re-created as an executive branch department.

1997: The departments of Health, Social Services, Aging and Public Institutions, and the Office of Juvenile Services were reorganized into three agencies: the departments of Health and Human Services Finance and Support, Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure, and Health and Human Services System. Together they were known as the Nebraska Health and Human Services System.

2007: The Legislature voted to reorganize the health system, creating six divisions within a revamped Department of Health and Human Services. Those divisions are public health, Medicaid, children and family services, behavioral health, developmental disabilities and veterans homes. A chief executive officer oversees the department and reports to the governor.

Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

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