This is an introductory course examining how the regulatory and legal systems approach quality of care. The focus will be on mechanisms for assuring quality of care including self regulation, credentialing, the doctor-patient relationship, professional licensure, government regulation, and the tort system. Examination of the tort system will focus on confidentiality obligations (including HIPAA), informed consent, and hospital and managed care liability. The course will review the role of ERISA in both managed care liability and health plan regulation. Finally, the course will provide an overview of how the public health system operates to protect both our health care and our civil rights. At the end of the course, students will have examined both the law and policy issues such as the problems arising from medical errors and the struggle to balance the need for quality against rising costs and lack of health care access. The curriculum focuses on cases applying administrative and common law, as well as a variety of statutory schemes. Grading: Letter graded Credits: 3 Offered: Spring Subject Areas: Health Law
