Zoning and Licensure: Lesser known policy tools to achieve public health goals

This presentation, designed for both a lay audience and those with legal expertise, will focus on licensure and zoning as an underutilized tool for public health.  Public health law frequently is used to protect the public health and change social norms. Most people hear about large-scale efforts through legislation such as excise tax increases, smokefree air laws, vaccination laws, etc.  Licensure is an underutilized tool that’s states and localities can use to achieve many of the same goals without the lobbying or by waiting for someone else to act by truly seeing health in all policies. This abstract will focus on a few types of ways licensing laws can improve and achieve impact in public health.  For example, strict licensure standards can help ensure youth access laws are enforced in the tobacco control setting. Zoning for heavy industry can have an impact on air quality and walkability in urban settings. By understanding that these tools exist and should be part of a comprehensive plan for promoting public health in a community is essential. We will also look at how we can address health inequity using these tools for the betterment of the community as a whole.