Hot Topics in Public Health Law

Public Health Law Academy's series on how public health law evolves in response to health crises

Public health law is constantly evolving in response to public health emergencies like natural disasters, the opioid epidemic, and health care shortages. When such events occur, an understanding of the law is critical to any effective public health response. From communicable disease outbreaks (like the H1N1 flu virus) to natural disasters (like Hurricane Katrina), public health law — and, more specifically, the Constitution — plays a central role. For example, public health practitioners may ask,

  • What can first responders legally do in the event of an outbreak?
  • What are best practices for reducing prescription drug overdose?
  • How might pharmacists’ services be used to manage chronic disease and mitigate the burden of illness?

To help practitioners answer these questions, the Public Health Law Academy offers the trainings listed below, which examine real-life scenarios and current public health challenges, demonstrating the myriad ways that law and policy influence health outcomes.

Woman on a train wearing a filter mask
Public Health Threats & the US Constitution
Public health law plays a central role in response planning for public health emergencies. Learn what responders need to know.
A medicine bottle with pills spilling out
Legal & Policy Approaches to Reducing Prescription Drug Overdose
Prescription drug overdose is on the rise in the U.S. Learn what legal and policy approaches have been undertaken in attempt to reduce overdose.
Two people collaborating on a document
Pharmacist Collaborative Practice Agreements
Pharmacists can assist health care teams in the treatment and management of chronic disease. Learn more about developing CPAs.
A group of professionals being trained
Facilitator Guides
Tools we've developed to help facilitators successfully deliver tailored trainings in the Hot Topics in Public Health Law series.

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