Legal Protections for Public Health Officials
Nationwide, state and local public health officials working to protect the public from COVID-19 are on the receiving end of threatening and harassing conduct for simply fulfilling their duty to protect the public health. In response, the Network conducted research to examine whether the states and Washington, D.C., have criminal statutes punishing individuals who impede public health officials’ duties with such behavior.
Resources
50 State Survey: Summary of Enacted Laws and Pending Bills Limiting Public Health Authority: The Second Wave
Public Health Under Threat: An Examination of State Laws Protecting Public Health Officials from Harassment
50 State Survey: Legal Protections for Public Health Officials
Legal Protections for Public Health Officials During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Real-time assistance for questions related to COVID-19 response
The Network can assist local, county, tribal and state health agencies with timely guidance, resources and information critical to key COVID-19 response measures, particularly in the areas of:
- public health authority and emergency powers,
- constitutionality of practices,
- health data privacy,
- protections for disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals,
- crisis standards of care, and
- ethical decision making.
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Experienced legal experts are available to answer questions and provide research, analysis and guidance. Let us know what you’re working on. We’re ready to help.