wk 9 - Public Health Law and Ethics

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on public health law and ethics.

Public Health Law

A body of legal rules and regulations that enable governments to protect and promote the health of the population.

HPPAs

Health Protection and Promotion Acts outline the powers, duties, and responsibilities of public health authorities.

Common Law

The body of law developed through judicial decisions and case law, serving to interpret statutes and define limits on government power.

Ethical Principles

Guidelines shaping the exercise of legal power in public health emergencies.

Immunization of School Pupils Act (PSA) 1990

Requires children to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school, with limited exceptions.

Public Health Agency of Canada Act (PHAC) 2006

Establishes the PHAC to promote and protect the health of Canadians.

Emergency Orders

Regulations that can limit freedom of movement and assembly during public health crises.

Mandatory Vaccination

Vaccination requirements imposed to safeguard community health, generating ethical dilemmas around autonomy and collective good.

Enforcement Powers

Legal authorities granted to contain public health threats, including isolation, quarantine, and closure of public spaces.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Rights protecting personal health information, intersecting with public health needs and data sharing protocols.

Vaccination Mandates

Laws requiring vaccination which may raise issues of informed consent and equity.

Public Health Surveillance

Monitoring and reporting mechanisms for communicable diseases to maintain public health.

Contact Tracing

Method used during outbreaks, such as COVID-19, to prevent further transmission by tracking and informing potentially infected individuals.