This is a short paper (no longer than 3 double spaced pages) in which students will write a policy memorandum. Students will choose a controversial topic of interest we covered in the course. This exercise will demonstrate student’s ability to summarize a topic in Public Health Law, describe relevant legal standards, and present a reasoned analysis based on law and ethics that advocates for a particular policy approach. The purpose of a policy memorandum is to prepare students to write for a health advocacy organization, to present findings to health practitioners, or educate and lobby for legislative change.
Background:
A policy memorandum for the purpose of this course describes relevant legal standards,
presents a reasoned analysis based on law, ethics, and policy, and advocates for a particular
approach to an issue in public health law. The purpose of a policy memorandum is to prepare
you to write for a health advocacy organization, to present findings to health practitioners, or
educate and lobby for legislative change. For a reference, please see the Sample Policy
Memorandum in Canvas.
Prompt:
Throughout this course, we have covered many topics with contentious viewpoints in Public
Health Law & Ethics, where reasonable and respected professional colleagues may differ in
opinion. For this assignment, pick one discrete and specific issue within one of the topics we
covered in this course. Find an issue where debate has emerged about which you feel strongly.
This is your time to be creative and explore developing your own opinion and position.
This issue should be narrowly focused. For example: “Passing House Bill 174 permitting
physicians to recommend medical marijuana will increase illicit diversion and
recreational use.” or “67% of clinical trials occur abroad in developing nations that lack
basic healthcare, and I urge Congress to investigate deficiencies relating to informed
consent and the imbalance of risk to research participants.”
Use the readings to develop a coherent, logical, and concise policy memorandum. I
encourage you to use additional resources listed in the syllabus or of your choosing. If
you find additional sources, they must be from academic sources, policy organizations,
or reputable news sources.
Paper length must not exceed 3 pages double spaced. Include proper citation.
Format:
Background
Briefly summarize the key points of the issue.
What is the current issue? Who are the key players? Who does this effect? What would
the proposed changes entail? This should be very brief, only a couple of sentences.
Problem Statement
What existing problems does your approach address? This is a broad general
statement in a sentence.
What issues do you see with how viewpoints in the debate would or would not effectively
address these underling issues? This can be done with a sentence or less for each
issue.
Analysis
Adopt a clear and logical position. This is the bulk of the discussion.
Is this the most effective resolution of the underlying issue?
List out 2 or 3 key issues, define them. Your discussion should be focused on these key
issues.
Point out potential positive points of using your proposed solution.
This is the section to apply legal standards, ethical duties, and policy reasoning.
Recommendation
Clearly state in a sentence your message and action requested.
Example: “It is imperative to have a policy that respects individual privacy and builds
trust in the public health community, so I request your support in allocating state funding
to implement this program.”
Optional Strategies:
Check newspapers for pending legislative bills (medical marijuana, healthcare reform, firearms
legislation, prescription database monitoring, etc.). Use the bill as a starting point to respond to
the issue.
Check newspapers or blogs discussing a current policy problem (emergency preparedness,
taxing sugar sweetened beverages, childhood obesity, etc.). This will give you leverage to
respond to the position you find and elaborate on why you agree or disagree.
*********POTENTIAL TOPIC COVERED IN CLASS********
-taxing sugared sweetened beverages
-obesity
“how public health professionals should address the obesity epidemic: Should the state ever intervene to protect morbidly obese children? How would a state appropriately enact laws limiting the sale of certain foods/beverages? Should corporations be responsible for the adverse health outcomes of consuming their food, or does the public “assume the risk” of suffering health effects such as diabetes and heart disease? Is fast food/sugar, etc. the new tobacco because it is engineered to be addictive? Many of these questions continue to make news headlines, and there are a variety of respected policy answers. Consider your own opinions on these questions as you read and engage in the material. how public health professionals should address the obesity epidemic: Should the state ever intervene to protect morbidly obese children? How would a state appropriately enact laws limiting the sale of certain foods/beverages? Should corporations be responsible for the adverse health outcomes of consuming their food, or does the public “assume the risk” of suffering health effects such as diabetes and heart disease? Is fast food/sugar, etc. the new tobacco because it is engineered to be addictive? Many of these questions continue to make news headlines, and there are a variety of respected policy answers. Consider your own opinions on these questions as you read and engage in the material.”
“Chronic Disease and Health Promotion.”
-As the readings indicate, the economic and personal impact of chronic disease is staggering. We will discuss models of regulation (such as regulating people v. products/industry) and the role of disease surveillance programs to track potential risks from environmental and occupational exposures. If you are interested in learning more about overdiagnosis or addressing the underlying cause of disease (functional medicine,) look below for optional resources or feel free to ask me for additional reputable sources on the topic. Chronic Disease and Health Promotion. As the readings indicate, the economic and personal impact of chronic disease is staggering. We will discuss models of regulation (such as regulating people v. products/industry) and the role of disease surveillance programs to track potential risks from environmental and occupational exposures. If you are interested in learning more about overdiagnosis or addressing the underlying cause of disease (functional medicine,) look below for optional resources or feel free to ask me for additional reputable sources on the topic.”