During infectious disease outbreaks, healthcare providers, businesses, and government agencies must navigate complex legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. This course provides an in-depth legal analysis of the CDC’s authority, federal and state public health laws, workplace safety obligations, liability risks, and emergency response procedures during an outbreak. Students will examine constitutional limitations, quarantine laws, HIPAA compliance, vaccination mandates, and the interplay between public health orders and individual rights. Through case law and regulatory analysis, students will develop strategies for legal compliance, risk mitigation, and ethical decision-making in public health crises.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will:
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Understand the Legal Authority of the CDC and Federal Public Health Agencies – Analyze the CDC’s role in disease control, emergency response, and regulatory enforcement.
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Examine Legal Obligations for Healthcare Providers, Businesses, and Government Entities – Study mandatory reporting, quarantine laws, and workplace safety regulations.
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Assess Constitutional Challenges and Individual Rights During Outbreaks – Explore civil liberties, vaccine mandates, and due process requirements.
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Analyze Liability Risks for Non-Compliance with CDC Guidelines – Evaluate legal consequences for healthcare providers, employers, and public officials.
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Review Case Law on Public Health Measures and Government Authority – Understand judicial decisions shaping infectious disease response laws.
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Examine the Role of the CDC in Coordinating State and Local Public Health Efforts – Learn how federal, state, and local laws interact in outbreak response.
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Explore Best Practices for Legal Compliance and Public Health Preparedness – Develop legal strategies for responding to CDC directives while minimizing liability exposure.
