Panel Discussion

Law is an important tool for protecting and promoting the health of the public. Law has been critical in attaining public health goals, and serves as the foundation for governmental public health practice. Many of public health's greatest successes, including high childhood immunization rates, improved motor vehicle safety, safer workplaces, and reduced tooth decay, have relied heavily on law. Further, law is playing an increasingly important role in addressing emerging public health threats such as childhood obesity, healthcare-associated infections, motor vehicle injuries, and prescription drug overdoses. In the complex environment where policy and law impact public health programs and outcomes, it is important that public health practitioners understand the role of law in advancing public health goals of the agencies they serve. Studies conducted by national public health organizations, including the Council on Education for Public Health, the Association of Schools of Public Health, and the Association for State and Territorial Health Officials, have found that public health law is among the top areas in which public health practitioners need and desire training and technical assistance. Offered by CDC’s Public Health Law Program, this session will provide an introduction to public health law principles, highlighting the relation between U.S. law and public health practice, key sources of law, and the organization of public health agencies’ legal services. Opportunities for questions and comments will be provided to attendees.

Session Objectives: • Define key terms and concepts framing the relationship between US law and public health practice • Describe the major sources of law necessary for US public health practice • Explain the mission, services, and some of the current projects of CDC’s Public Health Law Program • Discuss opportunities and needs for training and technical assistance in public health law