Which department is responsible for the registration of vital events like births and deaths?

The correct answer is that the responsibility for the registration of vital events like births and deaths falls under the Office of Vital Statistics. This office is specifically designated to maintain vital records, including but not limited to births, deaths, marriages, and divorce records, ensuring that all necessary data is accurately recorded and readily available for legal and administrative purposes.

While the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Public Health have roles in broader public health matters and policy, they do not focus exclusively on the registration of vital records. The State Registrar's Office typically works in conjunction with the Office of Vital Statistics to ensure these records are managed properly, but it is the Office of Vital Statistics that is tasked directly with the registration process. This distinction is essential in understanding how vital records are structured and maintained within state systems.