PBHL 382

I. Course Title: Public Health Ethics, Policy and Law

II. Course Number: PBHL 382

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Pre/corequisites: PBHL 350

V. Course Description: 

Students explore the ethical and legal dimensions of public health. The course includes an analysis of public health policies with a focus on economic influences and governmental roles in decision-making. Current legislation and healthcare regulations are discussed.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

• Introduction to Public Health Ethics, Policy and Law
• Frameworks and Approaches for Addressing Ethical Conflicts
• Ethical Dimensions of Public Health Decisions
• Relationships between Law and Ethics in Public Health
• Government Authority in Public Health
• Law as a Tool for Improving Public Health
• Policy and the Policymaking Process
• Public Health Legislation
• Writing a Public Health Policy Analysis (Problem Statement, Background, Landscape, Options, Recommendations)

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

Method of Instruction: Case Studies, Required Readings/Textbook, Recommended/Supplemental Readings, Class and Small Group Discussions, VoiceThread and/or Zoom, Slide Presentations & Microlessons

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Examine ethical issues related to public health policy and practice.
2. Discuss the way laws and regulations may be used to advance public health goals.
3. Debate the role of government actions in protecting, preventing, and promoting the health of the public versus individual liberties.
4. Produce a written public health policy analysis.

Program Outcomes:

1. Impart students with a foundation in public health principles, practices, and processes.

2. Prepare students to enter the public health workforce and/or graduate programs in public health, health education, health promotion, or other health-related fields.

3. Provide students with the required coursework and knowledge in the eight Areas of Responsibility of Health Education Specialists to be eligible to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES} examination:

• Area I: Assessment of Needs and Capacity
• Area II: Planning
• Area III: Implementation
• Area IV: Evaluation and Research
• Area V: Advocacy
• Area VI: Communication
• Area VII: Leadership and Management
• Area VIII: Ethics and Professionalism

VIII. Assessment Measures:

• Case Studies - 30%
• Discussions - 20%
• Public Health Policy Analysis - 20%
• Quizzes and Exams - 30%

Review and Approval

August 2020