Public Health Law: A Tool to Address Emerging Health Concerns

Law is a critical tool for protecting and promoting the health of the public. Some of history’s greatest public health successes, such as childhood immunization and safer workplaces, would not have been possible without changes to laws and policies. But public health law also involves evaluating laws, even ones not traditionally seen as health related, and exploring their impact on individuals and communities. Such analyses provide evidence that policymakers can use to inform future lawmaking.

Increased understanding of the influence of social determinants on health has brought about innovative policy approaches including Health in All Policies. Public health law is an integral part of these initiatives and seeks to contribute to the advancement and promotion of health for all.

In this session of Public Health Grand Rounds, we celebrate the 15th anniversary of CDC’s Public Health Law Program. Speakers will provide an overview of public health law, describe how it is an essential component of contemporary public health practice, and discuss the emergence of modern concepts of public health law, including legal epidemiology.