The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70197

Sue Thomas, PhD and James F. Mosher, JD. Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 6062 Graham Hill Road, Suite B, Felton, CA 95018, 831-335-1000, suethomas@mindspring.com

This presentation will illustrate the capabilities of the APIS as a research tool by providing an in-depth look at State laws that address a specific policy topic that has not previously been examined in detail: the prevention and treatment of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). FAS is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation and is an area of significant health, research, and policy interest. APIS staff identified wide variation among States in terms of laws that address issues relating to the prevention and treatment of FAS and discerned several distinct alternative approaches that States have taken to address FAS. The presentation will describe the contours of FAS-related policy and suggest a range of research applications for this body of information. It will also illustrate APIS processes used to identify relevant aspects of alcohol-related policies and demonstrate the value of the rigorous attention to accuracy and documentation that applies to all of the information available through the APIS.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Identify major current policy approaches to preventing and treating Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; and
• Articulate the legal research process used in developing information about specific alcohol policies in the APIS system.

Keywords: Policy/Policy Development, Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.