U.S. Health Law Fundamentals

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/health-law-fundamentals

Introduction

### Course Review: U.S. Health Law Fundamentals on Coursera #### Overview In a rapidly evolving landscape where healthcare and law intersect, understanding the fundamentals of U.S. health law is more crucial than ever. The "U.S. Health Law Fundamentals" course offered on Coursera provides a deep dive into the legal frameworks that influence healthcare practices, policies, and access in the United States. As the course description suggests, it explores the various statutes, regulations, common law, and market forces that help or hinder the primary goals of policymakers: increasing access, reducing costs, and improving quality. #### What You'll Learn Throughout the course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how laws and regulations shape the healthcare system. The course aims to equip learners with the skills to articulate the significant legal frameworks, including an analysis of landmark Supreme Court rulings related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other pivotal reforms. Here’s a brief breakdown of the syllabus: 1. **Introduction to the U.S. Legal System, EMTALA**: This module serves as a solid foundation, explaining the U.S. legal system's structure. It introduces key concepts of administrative law and delves into the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which ensures patients receive necessary care in emergencies. 2. **Formation and Termination, Privacy, and Confidentiality**: Here, you will explore the dynamics of the doctor-patient relationship — how it begins, evolves, and sometimes ends. The module also addresses the critical issue of conscientious objection, examining how it affects medical providers and patient care. 3. **Quality Control**: This module presents various quality control mechanisms present in the U.S. healthcare system, including licensure and accreditation processes. The course provides insights into how these mechanisms serve as preventive measures and discusses tort law as a means of accountability. 4. **Medicare, Medicaid, and The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act**: The final module focuses on the federal government's role in administering key healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid, alongside an in-depth look at the impact of the ACA on the health landscape. #### Strengths of the Course - **Comprehensive Curriculum**: The structured syllabus covers a breadth of essential topics, ensuring learners acquire a well-rounded view of U.S. health law. - **Expert Instruction**: Taught by knowledgeable instructors, the course offers expert insights and real-world applications of health law. - **Flexibility**: As with most Coursera offerings, participants can learn at their own pace, making it accessible for busy professionals or students. - **Engagement with Current Events**: By incorporating discussions on recent legal developments, the course keeps its content relevant and thought-provoking. #### Who Can Benefit This course is particularly valuable for a wide range of individuals: - **Healthcare Professionals**: Physicians, nurses, and administrative staff can gain insights into legal requirements and their implications for practice. - **Legal Practitioners**: Lawyers specializing in health law or those looking to transition into this field will find the course content especially beneficial. - **Policy Makers**: Current and aspiring policymakers can learn about the legal landscape that shapes health policies and reform efforts. - **Students and Researchers**: Those studying law, public health, or healthcare administration will find this course an excellent supplement to their academic pursuits. #### Recommendation In conclusion, I highly recommend the "U.S. Health Law Fundamentals" course on Coursera. It not only unpacks complex legal concepts but also enables learners to think critically about the American healthcare system's legal foundations. Whether you aim to deepen your understanding to enhance your professional practice or seek to engage in informed discussions about healthcare policy, this course serves as an invaluable resource. Sign up today to empower yourself with the knowledge that could shape the future of healthcare!

Syllabus

Introduction to the U.S. Legal System, EMTALA

This introductory module begins with an overview of the U.S. legal system as context for the complex patchwork that is U.S. health law. We then look in detail at how administrative law functions to regulate modern medical care. Then we take a close look at our first specific law - EMTALA, which guarantees screening and stabilization in emergency situations.

The second module closely examines the doctor-patient relationship: how it is formed, terminated, and in some cases, abandoned. We then examine the rise of conscientious objection as a right of medical providers.

This module explores the various mechanisms in place to ensure quality control in the U.S. healthcare system, including licensure and accreditation as a preventative measure, and tort law and liability as a remedial measure.

This final module focuses on the role of the federal government in administering Medicare and Medicaid as well as the effects of the recently passed Affordable Care Act.