Legal Frameworks of the Healthcare Industry

This course reviews the recent history of healthcare reform in the United States beginning with the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) and moving to health reform since the ACA. Students examine the influences and functions of Medicare and Medicaid as well as the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) role in shaping benefit coverage throughout the healthcare industry. Students will explore the importance of, and examine legal issues related to, public health and healthcare provided by entities within the Federal Government such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), and Indian Health Service (IHS). Students will objectively evaluate the legalities and ethical issues associated with clinical research as well as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s involvement in the development of pharmaceutical agents and medical devices. The course concludes with students analyzing the future landscape of health reform and public sector influence in healthcare.