Public Health Policy & Administration

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to health policy and management. It examines both the historical and current state of health policy in America and integrates these concepts within the context of public health practice. We will examine key concepts in understanding US health care organization, financing and delivery, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) examining the role and management issues of public health departments, and case studies in public health policy and management. At the completion of this course, the student will be able to: (1) understand the policymaking process–both legislative and administrative; (2) understand the major national health and health insurance programs: Medicare and Medicaid, PPACA and private insurance; (3) explain current concepts of health policy around costs, quality and access to care; (4) describe the current problems in public health at clinical and system levels and discuss future needs; (5) introduce management skills in evidence-based health policy, budgeting, and legislative and administrative policymaking and advocacy.