The author notes that medical-social initiatives, health education, and preventive care are part of the mandates of public and private healthcare facilities, as defined by the Hospital Act and its reform (1991). Following the identification of shortcomings in the implementation of these mandates (Peigne Report: 1991), a study on the educational role of hospitals (1992–1993) and a survey by the Hospital Management Laboratory (ENSP: 1994) of general nurses and hospital departments sought to identify health education practices and their theoretical foundations, internal and external partnerships, allocated resources, and training modalities for practitioners. A key finding concerns the diversity of approaches to health education and its practice, as well as the distinction between health education and patient education. A typology of initiatives was identified: initiatives focused on hospital staff, particularly regarding occupational risk prevention; initiatives involving both hospital staff and patients and their families; and initiatives open to the community. The survey highlights the reasons for the current limitations in the development of health education (lack of integration into planning, absence of a specific budget and training) and reveals the need for clarification of theoretical, methodological, ethical, and training aspects.