Health Law
In
its broadest definition, Health Law is defined as the law relating to health care and health of human beings. It is the area of medicine and public health concerned with the laws governing interactions between doctors and patients and the organization of health care. The Division's two full time faculty members
are health attorneys and provide training experiences to public health and law students at the University of Connecticut, teach, and conduct health law research on a variety of topics.
Health Law Clinic (LAW 165)
Conducted bi-annually each spring by Jane Comerford, J.D., M.P.H., Assistant Attorney General and in-house counsel for the UConn Health Center and its entities (e.g. John Dempsey Hospital, Medical School, and Dental School) and other members of the Division, the Health Law Clinic provides students with an interest in health law at the University of Connecticut School of Law with practical experience and guidance. This clinic has the primary goal of providing students with the opportunity to research and discuss advanced issues in health law. Students are encouraged to act as members of the law department at an academic health center. Legal issues covered in this clinic will arise out of past, present, or anticipated controversies involving the components of a contemporary academic health center: a medical school, a dental school, and a university hospital. Clinic meetings are held at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Health Care Law: Regulation and Financing (LAW 710) is a prerequisite. Enrollment is limited. 3 credits.
Courses
Numerous courses are offered by members of the Division in the area of health policy, law and regulation. Currently, a formal Master in Public Health concentration in Public Health Law is being developed.
Law
and Public Health (PUBH 406)
An introduction to the American legal system as it relates to health care
and public health. Sessions present important applications of law to health
including the powers of state governments, public health at the federal level,
hospital, physician and HMO liability, emergency care and medical research,
mental health law, reproductive health and the right to privacy, the right
to refuse treatment and end of life issues, privacy and confidentiality in
health care, infectious disease law and disability discrimination, and public
health policy and advocacy. 3 credits. Fall Semesters. Barbara Blechner, MEd, JD or Zita Lazzarini,
JD, MPH.
Seminar in Health Regulation (PUBH 412)
Focus is on the relationship between law and health care. Regulation of practice,
practitioners and facilities. Legal aspects of alternative delivery systems
including managed care. Legal and ethical dimensions of the health care provider-client
relationship also are addressed. 3 credits. Jane Comerford, J.D., M.P.H.,
Hillary Fisher Nelson, J.D., M.A. and Barbar Blechner, J.D., M.Ed. (Spring
alternative years)
Law, Health Care and Policy (PUBH 413)
Role of law in the regulation of the health care process and in the development
of public policy in health care. In addition to examining regulation of health
care personnel, facilities, expenditures and planning, a series of contemporary
public policy issues in health care are addressed. 3 credits. Barbara Blechner,
M.Ed., JD (Spring alternative years)
Health Care Law & Ethics (PUBH 461)
An analysis and evaluation of the legal rights of patients and providers in
the health care process. Specific topics may include: nature of rights, consent
to treatment, contraception, abortion, sterilization, involuntary commitment
and allocation of limited medical resources. 3 credits. Nancy Williams, R.N.,
J.D., LL.M. and Barbara Blechner, J.D., M.Ed. (Fall alternative years)
Human Rights and Health (PUBH 497)
This course will introduce students to human rights as a discipline relevant
to public health work. First, the course will provide knowledge of the history,
evolution, and structure of the current human rights system system as well
as an introduction to the basic norms, international instruments and important
organizations. Second, the course will explore the interrelationship between
health and human rights. The next sessions will examine closely the health
implications of selected "civil and political rights" and "economic social
and cultural rights" as well as recent work to define "the right to health."
The course will divide the remaining time into sections examining the use
of public health knowledge and expertise with human rights work to improve
health. 3 credits. Zita Lazzarini, JD, MPH. Spring alternative years.
Health Policy and Legislative Development (PUBH 497)
The development of health policy and the practice of health law, whether in
the public or private sector, must be linked with changes in approaches to
legislating and regulating aspects of the health care system. Current controversial
policy and regulatory issues will be examined through contemporary readings.
Important electronic and print research skills will be introduced and developed
during the course. 3 credits. Christie L. Hager, JD, MPH. Spring alternative
years.
Mental Health Law and Ethics (PUBH 497)
Course is currently in development. 3 credits. David Mack, JD, MPH. Tentatively
scheduled for Spring 2005.
Resources
UConn's Student Health Law Organization - The University of Connecticut School of Law Student Health Law Organization ("SHLO") represents a diverse cross-section of law students interested in practicing health law following graduation.