Network Report Thursday, December 2, 2021 
Attend this webinar for an examination of some of the most important and pressing public health law and policy issues in 2021 and their potential impacts going forward. Network attorneys will discuss declarations of racism as a public health crisis, the ongoing epidemic of drug related harm, threats to public health measures and authority, and harassment of public health officials. Learn more and register. 
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually to promote awareness and support for the rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities. One in four adults in the United States have a disability, and solutions to advance accessibility, inclusion, and equity must account for the diversity of experiences among people with disabilities. To mark the occasion, Network attorneys highlight recent law and policy developments related to health equity, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Tribes, tribal organizations and Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) need continuous and routine access to comprehensive and specific public health data to drive public health decision making, just as state and local health departments do, particularly during the current pandemic. Sharing these data with tribal public health authorities is essential to address the health disparities experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives. However, due to confusion around HIPAA Privacy Rule requirements, many health departments are unaware that they are able to share public health data with any other public health authority, including tribal organizations and TECs. 
Covid-19 vaccines for various age groups are covered under Emergency Use Authorizations. This guidance provides responses to questions related to whether healthcare providers may prescribe off-label uses of COVID-19 vaccines that have received Emergency Use Authorization but have not yet received a biologics license or other approval from FDA.
Announcements Legal and Policy Assistance to Address Racial Health Equity The Network is pleased to announce this call for applications from organizations seeking legal and policy support to promote racial health equity. We are seeking applicants developing or working on a specific issue that has a racial equity aspect that would benefit from legal and policy assistance. This work can be at any stage of development. The Network can provide technical assistance and help you identify how law and policy can support your racial health equity project or plan. The Network will accept applications through December 10th, 2021. Learn more and apply.
Job Opportunities Public Health Attorney (Network's Mid-States Region) The Network is hiring a Senior Attorney to work with our Mid-States Region Office, located at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, in Ann Arbor, Michigan (remote candidates will be considered). The Senior Attorney will focus on legal issues regarding the collection, sharing, and protection of data for public health purposes, including addressing determinants of health and promoting racial and health equity. For best consideration, apply by January 7, 2022. Read the full job description and apply.
Worth Sharing Modernizing Consent to Advance Health and Equity Released this week by the Stewards of Change Institute, this report taps into the knowledge of experts nationwide on the vital need to modernize consent to accelerate cross-sector data sharing. Doing so, as noted in the report, will enable better use of the Social Determinants of Health, improve care coordination and outcomes, and drive progress on trust and equity. Read the Executive Summary. Download the full report.
Public Health Forward: Modernizing the U.S. Public Health System This just-released report from the Bipartisan Policy Center defines a vision for a modernized public health system in the 21st century and provides a framework of practical, prioritized, and bipartisan actions for policymakers and public health officials to guide strategic investments and decision-making to help translate the vision into a reality with a focus on equity. The Network advised and provided comments on the Report’s Public Health Laws and Governance section. Read the report.
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Thank you! Your interest in the work of the Network is important. Together, we can advance law as a tool to improve public health. Please forward the Network Report and encourage others to join the Network! The Network for Public Health Law provides information and technical assistance on issues related to public health. The legal information and assistance provided in this document does not constitute legal advice or legal representation. For legal advice, readers should consult a lawyer in their state.
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