Oral

This symposium examines the many challenges to protecting human subjects in public health research and practice. Human subjects protections differ for public health practice and research. In particular, Federal law governs research, while state law governs public health practice. However, determining what rules apply can be difficult. The challenges are complicated by HIPAA and FERPA requirements. Issues concerning the nature of research and of public health practice will be discussed. A panel representing Federal, state, and academic perspectives will highlight key issues, provide guidance under the current regulatory framework, and propose strategies for addressing the challenges.

Session Objectives: Discuss the nature and definitions of public health practice and perspectives on the role of research, and how these relate to review of human subject’s research ; Understand the current laws and rules that apply to public health practice and research; Describe strategies for addressing the challenges of conducting “public health research;” Recognize issues that may deserve attention from organizational policy groups to effect regulatory changes; Assess legal and ethical environments underlying public health practice and research; Explain the legal basis for mandatory disease reporting to State public health agencies; Identify how public health practice and human subjects research are impacted by HIPAA and FERPA.