Discussion: Improve the Public’s Health

Discussion: Improve the Public’s Health

In the United States, public policies may be enacted by federal, state, or local governments. Typically, public policies created by a lower level of government (eg, local) must comport with policies created by a higher level of government (eg, state). In addition, in some instances, a higher level of government (eg, federal) may preempt, or prevent, a lower level of government (eg, state) from enacting policies in a particular area.⁶ This process, known as “ceiling preemption,” may stifle policy innovation, particularly at the local level.

Legally binding public policies fall into 3 primary categories: legislation, regulation, and litigation. Legislation, or statutory law, is created by a legislative body comprising elected representatives (eg, from US Congress, state general assembly, or city council). Regulations, which are promulgated by federal, state, or local administrative agencies, typically add specificity to policies that are described broadly in legislation. Finally, litigation refers to the body of public policy created through judicial opinions. Other policy tools, such as presidential or gubernatorial executive orders, are legally binding and bypass traditional legislative or regulatory processes, allowing for more rapid policy change.

Of note, some public policies do not carry the force of law. Most often, these policies are guidance documents produced by administrative agencies. Although guidance cannot be enforced, the expectation is that it will be followed or will provide answers when the law is unclear.

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Using a Health Policy Model to Develop a Change in Policy to Improve the Public’s Health

This assignment focuses on the methods to develop a change in policy to improve the public’s health by using a health policy model.

Tasks:  Suppose you want to initiate a policy of taxing sugared sodas/pop/beverages in your community. Use the Longest’s policy cycle model to ponder the following questions:

•What arguments would you use to make the case for the policy?

•What argument(s) would your opponents make?

•How would you go about getting buy-in for your proposed policy?

•What stakeholder groups need to be involved in promoting your policy?  Submission Details:

•Submit your response in a 2-page Microsoft Word document (500 words).