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Regulation of Public Health
Book chapter

Regulation of Public Health

Health Care Regulation in America
26 Oct 2006

Abstract

health manpower population health infectious disease vaccines chronic disease mental health environmental health occupational health public health biodefense
This chapter considers regulatory programs that protect public health. As the earliest form of health care regulation, it has evolved in several significant regards. Nineteenth century programs based at the state and local levels focused on infectious threats through such efforts as improved sanitation, safe drinking water, quarantine, and vaccination. The federal role grew in the early and mid-20th century through programs such as public health service hospitals, food safety enforcement, and epidemiological monitoring by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Late 20th century programs shifted the regulatory focus to chronic conditions with programs that addressed environmental protection, occupational safety and health, and mental health. A host of major policy issues remain, including how to achieve the best balance between federal and state authority, between population and individual health, between acute and chronic diseases, and between reliance on the public and private sectors.

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