1
|
Platt E, Moran-McCabe K, Cook A, Burris S. Trends in US State Public Health Emergency Laws, 2021-2022. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:288-296. [PMID: 36791354 PMCID: PMC9932385 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.307214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. To identify and categorize US state legislation introduced between January 1, 2021, and May 20, 2022, that addresses emergency health authority. Methods. We adapted standard policy surveillance methods to collect and code state bills and enacted laws limiting or expanding the emergency public health authority of state and local officials and agencies. Results. State legislators introduced 1531 bills addressing public health authority; 191 of those were enacted in 43 states and the District of Columbia, including 17 expanding and 65 contracting emergency authority, 163 regulating use, and 30 preempting local use of specific measures such as mask mandates. Conclusions. State laws setting the scope and limits of emergency authority are crucial to effective public health response. These laws are changing in ways that threaten to reduce response capacity. Tracking changes in health law infrastructure is important for evaluating changes in health authority and ensuring that stakeholders recognize these changes. Public Health Implications. The COVID-19 pandemic called for quick, decisive action to limit infections, and when the next outbreak hits, new laws limiting health authority will make such action even more difficult. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(3):288-296. https://doi.org/10.2105/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307214).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Platt
- All authors are with the Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Katie Moran-McCabe
- All authors are with the Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Amy Cook
- All authors are with the Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Scott Burris
- All authors are with the Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The Growing Field of Legal Epidemiology. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2021; 26 Suppl 2, Advancing Legal Epidemiology:S4-S9. [PMID: 32004217 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
3
|
Satter DE, Mercer Kollar LM, O'Gara 'Djik Sook' D. American Indian and Alaska Native Knowledge and Public Health for the Primary Prevention of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE JOURNAL OF FEDERAL LAW AND PRACTICE 2021; 69:149-188. [PMID: 34734212 PMCID: PMC8563020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Violence against American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) women, children, two-spirit individuals,1 men, and elders is a serious public health issue. Violence may result in death (homicide), and exposure to violence has lasting effects on the physical and mental health of individuals, including depression and anxiety, substance abuse, chronic and infectious diseases, and life opportunities, such as educational attainment and employment. All communities are affected by some form of violence, but some are at an increased risk because of intergenerational, structural, and social factors that influence the conditions in communities where people live, learn, work, and play. Using a violence prevention public health approach, we discuss the role public health can play in addressing and preventing the prevalence of missing or murdered indigenous persons (MMIP).2 This paper is written as a public health primer and includes a selective overview of public health and Native public health research. It also includes case studies and Native experts' reflections and suggestions regarding the use of public health knowledge and theory, as well as Native knowledge and cultural practices to combat violence. An effective public health prevention approach is facilitated by complex, contextual knowledge of communities and people, including individual and community risk factors, as well as protective factors in strengthening Native communities and preventing MMIP. Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. To prevent violence, public health seeks to create safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for all people. MMIP affects communities, families, and loved ones, and its victims may be women and girls, children, men, two-spirit individuals, and elders. Violence is defined as "the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation."3 Violence, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), has a lasting impact on health, spanning injury, disease outcomes, risk behaviors, maternal and child health, mental health problems, and death.4 This paper serves as a public health primer to prevent MMIP. MMIP context is provided by weaving public health, research, and applied examples from AIAN experts, best practices in public health, and legal approaches using traditional wisdom and culture. Woven throughout the text, author perspectives are provided as applied examples to contextualize and complement the topics raised based on the individual experiences of several authors.
Collapse
|
4
|
Bullock HL, Lavis JN, Wilson MG, Mulvale G, Miatello A. Understanding the implementation of evidence-informed policies and practices from a policy perspective: a critical interpretive synthesis. Implement Sci 2021. [PMID: 33588878 DOI: 10.1186/s13012‐021‐01082‐7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fields of implementation science and knowledge translation have evolved somewhat independently from the field of policy implementation research, despite calls for better integration. As a result, implementation theory and empirical work do not often reflect the implementation experience from a policy lens nor benefit from the scholarship in all three fields. This means policymakers, researchers, and practitioners may find it challenging to draw from theory that adequately reflects their implementation efforts. METHODS We developed an integrated theoretical framework of the implementation process from a policy perspective by combining findings from these fields using the critical interpretive synthesis method. We began with the compass question: How is policy currently described in implementation theory and processes and what aspects of policy are important for implementation success? We then searched 12 databases as well as gray literature and supplemented these documents with other sources to fill conceptual gaps. Using a grounded and interpretive approach to analysis, we built the framework constructs, drawing largely from the theoretical literature and then tested and refined the framework using empirical literature. RESULTS A total of 11,434 documents were retrieved and assessed for eligibility and 35 additional documents were identified through other sources. Eighty-six unique documents were ultimately included in the analysis. Our findings indicate that policy is described as (1) the context, (2) a focusing lens, (3) the innovation itself, (4) a lever of influence, (5) an enabler/facilitator or barrier, or (6) an outcome. Policy actors were also identified as important participants or leaders of implementation. Our analysis led to the development of a two-part conceptual framework, including process and determinant components. CONCLUSIONS This framework begins to bridge the divide between disciplines and provides a new perspective about implementation processes at the systems level. It offers researchers, policymakers, and implementers a new way of thinking about implementation that better integrates policy considerations and can be used for planning or evaluating implementation efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Bullock
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L6, Canada.
| | - John N Lavis
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L6, Canada.,McMaster Health Forum, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Michael G Wilson
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L6, Canada.,McMaster Health Forum, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Gillian Mulvale
- DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Burlington, Canada
| | - Ashleigh Miatello
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bullock HL, Lavis JN, Wilson MG, Mulvale G, Miatello A. Understanding the implementation of evidence-informed policies and practices from a policy perspective: a critical interpretive synthesis. Implement Sci 2021; 16:18. [PMID: 33588878 PMCID: PMC7885555 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-021-01082-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fields of implementation science and knowledge translation have evolved somewhat independently from the field of policy implementation research, despite calls for better integration. As a result, implementation theory and empirical work do not often reflect the implementation experience from a policy lens nor benefit from the scholarship in all three fields. This means policymakers, researchers, and practitioners may find it challenging to draw from theory that adequately reflects their implementation efforts. METHODS We developed an integrated theoretical framework of the implementation process from a policy perspective by combining findings from these fields using the critical interpretive synthesis method. We began with the compass question: How is policy currently described in implementation theory and processes and what aspects of policy are important for implementation success? We then searched 12 databases as well as gray literature and supplemented these documents with other sources to fill conceptual gaps. Using a grounded and interpretive approach to analysis, we built the framework constructs, drawing largely from the theoretical literature and then tested and refined the framework using empirical literature. RESULTS A total of 11,434 documents were retrieved and assessed for eligibility and 35 additional documents were identified through other sources. Eighty-six unique documents were ultimately included in the analysis. Our findings indicate that policy is described as (1) the context, (2) a focusing lens, (3) the innovation itself, (4) a lever of influence, (5) an enabler/facilitator or barrier, or (6) an outcome. Policy actors were also identified as important participants or leaders of implementation. Our analysis led to the development of a two-part conceptual framework, including process and determinant components. CONCLUSIONS This framework begins to bridge the divide between disciplines and provides a new perspective about implementation processes at the systems level. It offers researchers, policymakers, and implementers a new way of thinking about implementation that better integrates policy considerations and can be used for planning or evaluating implementation efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Bullock
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L6, Canada.
| | - John N Lavis
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L6, Canada.,McMaster Health Forum, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Michael G Wilson
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L6, Canada.,McMaster Health Forum, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Gillian Mulvale
- DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Burlington, Canada
| | - Ashleigh Miatello
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abiola SE, Mello MM. Multilevel legal approaches to obesity prevention: A conceptual and methodological toolkit. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220971. [PMID: 31574096 PMCID: PMC6772030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION State lawmakers have explored numerous policy alternatives to reduce overweight and obesity. Evaluating effects of these laws is important but presents substantial methodological challenges. We present a conceptual framework that allows for classification of obesity prevention laws based on ecological level of influence and the underlying legal mechanism involved to guide analysis of the relationship between a substantial range of obesity prevention laws and BMI. METHODS Obesity prevention laws (OPLs) for all 50 states and DC were obtained via primary legal research using the LexisNexis Advanced Legislative Services (ALS) database. For legal provisions that met inclusion criteria, reviewers abstracted information on bill state, citation, passage and effective dates, target population, and obesity prevention mechanism. Laws were categorized by ecological level of influence on weight-related behaviors and the legal mechanism utilized to change behavioral determinants of BMI. RESULTS Laws designed to increase community-level opportunities for physical activity were the most frequently enacted OPL while laws designed to alter nutrition standards for school meals or competitive foods were comparatively less common, appearing in only 16% and 34% of states, respectively. CONCLUSION Prior studies of obesity policies have focused on specific interventions. We identified and categorized state-level laws that operate at all ecological levels and found that laws passed during the initial burst of lawmaking were largely confined to measures aimed at increasing opportunities for physical activity. Creating public spaces for recreation is an important step to promoting healthier lifestyles to reduce obesity risk; more comprehensive, multilevel legal approaches should also be pursued.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara E. Abiola
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Michelle M. Mello
- Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford Law School, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Local Health Departments' Promotion of Mental Health Care and Reductions in 30-Day All-Cause Readmission Rates in Maryland. Med Care 2018; 56:153-161. [PMID: 29271821 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000000850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals affected with mental health conditions, including mood disorders and substance abuse, are at an increased risk of hospital readmission. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to examine whether local health departments' (LHDs) active roles of promoting mental health are associated with reductions in 30-day all-cause readmission rates, a common quality metric. METHODS Using datasets linked from multiple sources, including 2012-2013 State Inpatient Databases for the State of Maryland, the National Association of County and City Health Officials Profiles Survey, the Area Health Resource File, and US Census data, we employed multivariate logistic models to examine whether LHDs' active provision of mental health preventive care, mental health services, and health promotion were associated with the likelihood of having any 30-day all-cause readmission. RESULTS Multivariate logistic regressions showed that LHDs' provision of mental health preventive care, mental health services, and health promotion were negatively associated with the likelihoods of having any 30-day readmission for adults 18-64 years old (odds ratios=0.71-0.82, P<0.001), and adults 65 and above (odds ratios=0.61-0.63, P<0.001, preventive care and services, respectively). These estimated associations were more prominent among individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders, African Americans, Medicare, and Medicaid enrollees. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that LHDs in Maryland that engage in mental health prevention, promotion, and coordination activities are associated with benefits for residents and for the health care system at large. Additional research is needed to evaluate LHD activities in other states to determine if these results are generalizable.
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen J, Bloodworth R, Novak P, Cook BL, Goldman HH, Rendall MS, Thomas SB, Reynolds CF. Reducing Preventable Hospitalization and Disparity: Association With Local Health Department Mental Health Promotion Activities. Am J Prev Med 2018; 54:103-112. [PMID: 29254550 PMCID: PMC5807070 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Serving as the center of community-engaged health programs, local health departments can play a critical role in promoting community mental health. The objectives of this study were to explore the association between local health department activities and (1) preventable hospitalizations for individuals with mental disorders, and (2) associated racial disparities in preventable hospitalizations. METHOD Employing the linked data sets of the 2012-2013 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project state inpatient discharge file of the State of Maryland, the National Association of County and City Health Officials Profiles Survey, the Area Resource File, and U.S. Census data, the authors estimated the association between local health department activities (i.e., provision of mental health preventive care and community mental health promotion) and the reduction of the preventable hospitalizations for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions and coexisting mental disorders. All the data analyses were conducted during September 2016-August 2017. RESULTS Multilevel regression showed that local health departments' provision of mental health preventive care (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.63, 0.92) and mental health promotion activities (OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.62, 0.94) were significantly associated with lower rates of preventable hospitalizations for individuals with ambulatory care-sensitive conditions and coexisting mental disorders. Decomposition results suggested that local health departments' direct provision of mental health preventive care could reduce 9% of the racial disparities. CONCLUSIONS Improving care coordination and integration are essential to meeting the growing demands for healthcare access, while controlling costs and improving quality of service delivery. These results suggest that it will be effective to engage local health departments in the integrated behavioral health system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Department of Health Services and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.
| | - Robin Bloodworth
- Department of Health Services and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Priscilla Novak
- Department of Health Services and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Benjamin Le Cook
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Howard H Goldman
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael S Rendall
- Department of Sociology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Stephen B Thomas
- Department of Health Services and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Charles F Reynolds
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pandemic legislation in the European Union: Fit for purpose? The need for a systematic comparison of national laws. Health Policy 2017; 121:1021-1024. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
10
|
Burris S. Theory and methods in comparative drug and alcohol policy research: Response to a review of the literature. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 41:126-131. [PMID: 28041769 PMCID: PMC5337158 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Comparative drug and alcohol policy analysis (CPA) is alive and well, and the emergence of robust alternatives to strict prohibition provides exciting research opportunities. As a multidisciplinary practice, however, CPA faces several methodological challenges. This commentary builds on a recent review of CPA by Ritter et al. (2016) to argue that the practice is hampered by a hazy definition of policy that leads to confusion in the specification and measurement of the phenomena being studied. This problem is aided and abetted by the all-too-common omission of theory from the conceptualization and presentation of research. Drawing on experience from the field of public health law research, this commentary suggests a distinction between empirical and non-empirical CPA, a simple taxonomic model of CPA policy-making, mapping, implementation and evaluation studies, a narrower definition of and rationale for "policy" research, a clear standard for measuring policy, and an expedient approach (and renewed commitment) to using theory explicitly in a multi-disciplinary practice. Strengthening CPA is crucial for the practice to have the impact on policy that good research can.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Burris
- Center for Public Health Law Research, Beasley School of Law, Temple University, 1719 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ramanathan T, Hulkower R, Holbrook J, Penn M. Legal Epidemiology: The Science of Law. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2017; 45:69-72. [PMID: 28661299 PMCID: PMC5690565 DOI: 10.1177/1073110517703329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The importance of legal epidemiology in public health law research has undoubtedly grown over the last five years. Scholars and practitioners together have developed guidance on best practices for the field, including: placing emphasis on transdisciplinary collaborations; creating valid, reliable, and repeatable research; and publishing timely products for use in decision-making and change. Despite the energy and expertise researchers have brought to this important work, they name significant challenges in marshalling the diverse skill sets, quality controls, and funding to implement legal epidemiology activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has worked to develop cross-cutting research and translation on issues of national priority in legal epidemiology, and has explored ways to overcome some of these challenges. As such, this article describes a case study of the use of law to characterize states' prior authorization policies regarding medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a central component of a broader effort to improve behavior therapy options for young children with ADHD. This article highlights the types of legal epidemiology work we have undertaken, the application of this work to an emerging public health problem, and the lessons learned in creating impactful research for the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara Ramanathan
- Tara Ramanathan, J.D., M.P.H., is the Team Lead for Research and Translation at the Public Health Law Program in the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rachel Hulkower, J.D., M.S.P.H., is a public health analyst through Chenega Professional & Technical Services with the Public Health Law Program in the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Joseph Holbrook, Ph.D., M.P.H., is an epidemiologist at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Matthew Penn, J.D., M.L.I.S., is the Direc¬tor of the Public Health Law Program in the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Rachel Hulkower
- Tara Ramanathan, J.D., M.P.H., is the Team Lead for Research and Translation at the Public Health Law Program in the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rachel Hulkower, J.D., M.S.P.H., is a public health analyst through Chenega Professional & Technical Services with the Public Health Law Program in the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Joseph Holbrook, Ph.D., M.P.H., is an epidemiologist at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Matthew Penn, J.D., M.L.I.S., is the Direc¬tor of the Public Health Law Program in the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Joseph Holbrook
- Tara Ramanathan, J.D., M.P.H., is the Team Lead for Research and Translation at the Public Health Law Program in the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rachel Hulkower, J.D., M.S.P.H., is a public health analyst through Chenega Professional & Technical Services with the Public Health Law Program in the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Joseph Holbrook, Ph.D., M.P.H., is an epidemiologist at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Matthew Penn, J.D., M.L.I.S., is the Direc¬tor of the Public Health Law Program in the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Matthew Penn
- Tara Ramanathan, J.D., M.P.H., is the Team Lead for Research and Translation at the Public Health Law Program in the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rachel Hulkower, J.D., M.S.P.H., is a public health analyst through Chenega Professional & Technical Services with the Public Health Law Program in the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Joseph Holbrook, Ph.D., M.P.H., is an epidemiologist at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Matthew Penn, J.D., M.L.I.S., is the Direc¬tor of the Public Health Law Program in the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Martini L, Presley D, Klieger S, Burris S. A Scan of CDC-Authored Articles on Legal Epidemiology, 2011-2015. Public Health Rep 2016; 131:809-815. [PMID: 28123227 DOI: 10.1177/0033354916669497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts research on legal epidemiology, the scientific study of law as a factor in the cause, distribution, and prevention of disease. This study describes a scan of articles written by CDC staff members to characterize the frequency and key features of legal epidemiology articles and their distribution across CDC departments and divisions. METHODS CDC librarians searched an internal repository for journal articles by CDC staff published from January 1, 2011, to May 31, 2015. Researchers reviewed and coded the abstracts to produce data on key features of the articles. RESULTS Researchers identified 158 CDC-authored legal epidemiology articles published in 83 journals, most frequently in Preventing Chronic Disease (14 publications), Journal of Public Health Management Practice (10 publications), and Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (9 publications). Most articles concerned the use and impact of law as a deliberate tool of intervention. Thirteen articles addressed the legal infrastructure of public health, and 3 assessed the incidental or unintended effects of nonhealth laws. CDC-authored articles encompassed policy making, implementation, and impact. Literature reviews and studies mapping laws across multiple jurisdictions constituted one-quarter of all publications. Studies addressed laws at the international, national, state, local, and organizational levels. CONCLUSION Results of the scan can be used to identify opportunities for the agency to better support research, professional development, networking, publication, and tracking of publication in this emerging field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Martini
- Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Presley
- Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah Klieger
- Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott Burris
- Center for Public Health Law Research, Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Burris S, Ashe M, Blanke D, Ibrahim J, Levin DE, Matthews G, Penn M, Katz M. Better Health Faster: The 5 Essential Public Health Law Services. Public Health Rep 2016; 131:747-753. [PMID: 28123219 DOI: 10.1177/0033354916667496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Burris
- National Program Office, Public Health Law Research Program, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Doug Blanke
- Public Health Law Center, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Jennifer Ibrahim
- National Program Office, Public Health Law Research Program, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Gene Matthews
- Network for Public Health Law, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthew Penn
- Public Health Law Program, Office for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Burris S, Ashe M, Levin D, Penn M, Larkin M. A Transdisciplinary Approach to Public Health Law: The Emerging Practice of Legal Epidemiology. Annu Rev Public Health 2015; 37:135-48. [PMID: 26667606 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-032315-021841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Public health law has roots in both law and science. For more than a century, lawyers have helped develop and implement health laws; over the past 50 years, scientific evaluation of the health effects of laws and legal practices has achieved high levels of rigor and influence. We describe an emerging model of public health law that unites these two traditions. This transdisciplinary model adds scientific practices to the lawyerly functions of normative and doctrinal research, counseling, and representation. These practices include policy surveillance and empirical public health law research on the efficacy of legal interventions and the impact of laws and legal practices on health and health system operation. A transdisciplinary model of public health law, melding its legal and scientific facets, can help break down enduring cultural, disciplinary, and resource barriers that have prevented the full recognition and optimal role of law in public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Burris
- National Program Office, Public Health Law Research Program, Beasley School of Law, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122;
| | - Marice Ashe
- ChangeLab Solutions, Oakland, California 94612;
| | - Donna Levin
- Network for Public Health Law, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105;
| | - Matthew Penn
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333;
| | - Michelle Larkin
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Princeton, New Jersey 08543;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cohen O, Feder-Bubis P, Bar-Dayan Y, Adini B. Promoting public health legal preparedness for emergencies: review of current trends and their relevance in light of the Ebola crisis. Glob Health Action 2015; 8:28871. [PMID: 26449204 PMCID: PMC4598337 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v8.28871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 08/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health legal preparedness (PHLP) for emergencies is a core component of the health system response. However, the implementation of health legal preparedness differs between low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and developed countries. OBJECTIVE This paper examines recent trends regarding public health legal preparedness for emergencies and discusses its role in the recent Ebola outbreak. DESIGN A rigorous literature review was conducted using eight electronic databases as well as Google Scholar. The results encompassed peer-reviewed English articles, reports, theses, and position papers dating from 2011 to 2014. Earlier articles concerning regulatory actions were also examined. RESULTS The importance of PHLP has grown during the past decade and focuses mainly on infection-disease scenarios. Amid LMICs, it mostly refers to application of international regulations, whereas in developed states, it focuses on independent legislation and creation of conditions optimal to promoting an effective emergency management. Among developed countries, the United States' utilisation of health legal preparedness is the most advanced, including the creation of a model comprising four elements: law, competencies, information, and coordination. Only limited research has been conducted in this field to date. Nevertheless, in both developed and developing states, studies that focused on regulations and laws activated in health systems during emergencies, identified inconsistency and incoherence. The Ebola outbreak plaguing West Africa since 2014 has global implications, challenges and paralleling results, that were identified in this review. CONCLUSIONS The review has shown the need to broaden international regulations, to deepen reciprocity between countries, and to consider LMICs health capacities, in order to strengthen the national health security. Adopting elements of the health legal preparedness model is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Odeya Cohen
- PREPARED Center for Emergency Response Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel;
| | - Paula Feder-Bubis
- PREPARED Center for Emergency Response Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Health Systems Management, Faculty of Health Sciences & Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yaron Bar-Dayan
- PREPARED Center for Emergency Response Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Bruria Adini
- PREPARED Center for Emergency Response Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Stone PW, Pogorzelska-Maziarz M, Reagan J, Merrill JA, Sperber B, Cairns C, Penn M, Ramanathan T, Mothershed E, Skillen E. Impact of laws aimed at healthcare-associated infection reduction: a qualitative study. BMJ Qual Saf 2015; 24:637-44. [PMID: 26043742 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2014-003921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are preventable. Globally, laws aimed at reducing HAIs have been implemented. In the USA, these laws are at the federal and state levels. It is not known whether the state interventions are more effective than the federal incentives alone. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to explore the impact federal and state HAI laws have on state departments of health and hospital stakeholders in the USA and to explore similarities and differences in perceptions across states. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted. In 2012, we conducted semistructured interviews with key stakeholders from states with and without state-level laws to gain multiple perspectives. Interviews were transcribed and open coding was conducted. Data were analysed using content analysis and collected until theoretical saturation was achieved. RESULTS Ninety interviews were conducted with stakeholders from 12 states (6 states with laws and 6 states without laws). We found an increase in state-level collaboration. The publicly reported data helped hospitals benchmark and focus leaders on HAI prevention. There were concerns about the publicly reported data (eg, lack of validation and timeliness). Resource needs were also identified. No major differences were expressed by interviewees from states with and without laws. CONCLUSIONS While we could not tease out the impact of specific interventions, increased collaboration between departments of health and their partners is occurring. Harmonisation of HAI definitions and reporting between state and federal laws would minimise reporting burden. Continued monitoring of the progress of HAI prevention is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia W Stone
- School of Nursing, Center for Health Policy, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Julie Reagan
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, USA
| | - Jacqueline A Merrill
- Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brad Sperber
- Center for Health Policy, The Keystone Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Catherine Cairns
- Center for Health Policy, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | - Matthew Penn
- Office for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA Public Health Law Program, Office for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tara Ramanathan
- Public Health Law Program, Office for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth Mothershed
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth Skillen
- Office of Associate Director for Policy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Goldberg D. Ethics and public health law: on the need to ask the right questions. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2013; 19:391-2. [PMID: 23842469 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0b013e3182a08daf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
18
|
Beckfield J, Olafsdottir S, Sosnaud B. Healthcare Systems in Comparative Perspective: Classification, Convergence, Institutions, Inequalities, and Five Missed Turns. ANNUAL REVIEW OF SOCIOLOGY 2013; 39:127-146. [PMID: 28769148 PMCID: PMC5536857 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-soc-071312-145609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
This essay reviews and evaluates recent comparative social science scholarship on healthcare systems. We focus on four of the strongest themes in current research: (1) the development of typologies of healthcare systems, (2) assessment of convergence among healthcare systems, (3) problematization of the shifting boundaries of healthcare systems, and (4) the relationship between healthcare systems and social inequalities. Our discussion seeks to highlight the central debates that animate current scholarship and identify unresolved questions and new opportunities for research. We also identify five currents in contemporary sociology that have not been incorporated as deeply as they might into research on healthcare systems. These five "missed turns" include an emphasis on social relations, culture, postnational theory, institutions, and causal mechanisms. We conclude by highlighting some key challenges for comparative research on healthcare systems.
Collapse
|
19
|
Roles and Strategies of State Organizations Related to School-Based Physical Education and Physical Activity Policies. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2013; 19:S34-40. [DOI: 10.1097/phh.0b013e3182840da2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
20
|
Scutchfield FD, Costich JF. Law and the public's health: science and policies. Am J Prev Med 2013; 44:427-428. [PMID: 23498111 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
21
|
Public health law research: exploring law in public health systems. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2013; 18:499-505. [PMID: 23023273 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0b013e31825ce8f6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The importance of law in the organization and operation of public health systems has long been a matter of interest to public health lawyers and practitioners, but empirical research on law as a factor in health system performance has been limited in quantity and sophistication. The emergence of Public Health Law Research and Public Health Systems and Services Research within a coordinated effort to strengthen public health research and practice has dramatically changed matters. This article introduces Public Health Law Research as an integral part of Public Health Systems and Services Research, discusses the challenges of integrating the 2 fields, and highlights 2 examples of current research that demonstrate the benefits of an integrated approach to improve the use of law in public health practice.
Collapse
|