Public Health Tools
What is the purpose of taxation in public health?
To raise funds for public health programs & reduce harmful behaviors (e.g., sin taxes).
What is the foundation of government power in the U.S.?
The Constitution.
Define federalism in one sentence.
Power is shared between federal and state governments.
Which U.S. document contains the first 10 amendments?
The Bill of Rights
What does HIPAA stand for?
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Give one example of an incentive used in public health.
Tax credits for health insurance, or subsidies for healthy foods/gym memberships.
What is a statute? Provide an example.
Laws passed by legislatures; e.g., Affordable Care Act, state vaccine laws.
What amendment gives states power if it’s not listed in the Constitution?
The 10th Amendment.
What does the 1st Amendment protect in relation to vaccines?
Religious exemptions (freedom of religion).
Name one type of personal identifier protected under HIPAA.
Names, dates, phone numbers, SSNs, medical record numbers, etc.
What is the impact of altering the informational environment?
Helps people make informed health decisions (e.g., food labels, anti-smoking ads).
Which branch of government issues executive orders?
The executive branch (President, Governors, Mayors).
What are “police powers” in state government?
tate authority to protect health, safety, and welfare (e.g., quarantine rules).
Which amendment protects against unfair searches during health inspections?
The 4th Amendment.
Name one type of covered entity under HIPAA.
Health plans, healthcare providers, or healthcare billing.
Name one way laws alter the built/physical environment.
Zoning laws, sidewalks, bike lanes, toxic waste control.
What is common law, and who creates it?
Law made by court decisions; created by judges.
Give one example of a federal role in public health and one example of a state role.
Federal = funding vaccines; State = distributing vaccines or running inspections.
Explain “due process” with a public health example.
If government shuts down a business for health reasons, it must follow fair legal procedures.
What year was HIPAA passed?
1996
What does deregulation mean in a public health context?
Removing or loosening laws that harm public health (e.g., sterile needle distribution).
What role do regulations play in public health?
Agencies create detailed rules to enforce statutes (e.g., FDA nutrition labels).
What is preemption, and which part of the Constitution establishes it?
When federal law overrides state law; established by the Supremacy Clause (Article VI).
What does “equal protection” under the law mean in public health?
Laws apply equally to everyone (e.g., mask mandates apply to all).
What is the maximum criminal penalty for intentionally violating HIPAA?
Up to $250,000 fine and 10 years in prison.