Courses

Course Information

The Ethical, Legal and Political Lessons of Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic in the U.S

Course ID: MPBH 495-007 / HSM 355-004
School:Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health
Program: Public Health, Health Care Administration
Credit Hours: 1

Course Description

In a public health crisis, leaders and public policy makers must confront the ethical and legal implications of actions (and in-actions?) including impacts on population health, economic vitality, and the social and political will to follow emergency policies. This course will explore current and emerging U.S. policy decisions affecting the COVID-19 pandemic such as, quarantine power and social distancing requirements; closure of schools and non-essential businesses; and the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization power. Discussion will focus on separation of powers and coordination between federal, state, and local authorities during a public health emergency and ethical considerations of policy-making given uncertain data and the importance of legitimacy in the making of policy decisions. We will explore lessons learned to date and implications for moving forward.

Objectives

• Identify the domains of public health ethics and legal framework affecting public health policies in the U.S.
• Analyze legal and ethical issues that arise in protecting population health during a pandemic in a democracy with divided government
• Identify frameworks to assist decision makers when evaluating future health policies affecting management of the COVID-19 pandemic

*This course is part of a series of special topic courses on Strengthening Population Health Resilience in the Time of COVID-19. Learn more

Course Offering

Session	Day	Time	Instructor
B	Mon	6:00 - 8:00 PM	Swartzman

Back to Full List of Courses