PUBH 340 - Health Policy

Institution:

Westminster College (Salt Lake City)

Subject:

Public Health

Description:

Policy decisions shape our healthcare landscape. The US spends the highest percent GDP on healthcare in the industrial world, but this does not translate into high quality care or health outcome measures. In fact, over 50 million people in the US have no health insurance. People without health insurance (public or private) tend to forgo or delay care, ultimately seeking medical intervention when conditions are more advanced and thus more costly (and difficult) to treat. This course will examine how health care policy is created and adopted in the US, with a focus on Utah. Students will learn the ins and outs of policy, advocacy, lobbying, and the impact policy decisions have on the public and on the medical system. Topics include national and Utah health reform, issues for vulnerable populations, public programs, the health insurance industry, and effective advocacy. The class will be a "hands-on" approach to learning policy, structured around Utah's legislative session. Students will be expected to attend relevant committee hearings, caucuses, coalition meetings, and legislative debate at Utah's Capitol complex during Utah's legislative session. Students will follow proposed legislation through the session, actively working in support or opposition. Students will have the opportunity to work with local advocacy groups and meet Utah's key policy makers.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.westminstercollege.edu

Phone Number:

(801) 484-7651

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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