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Oregon Health Authority

Public Health Law in Emergencies

Increasing Legal Preparedness of Oregon Public Health Organizations

medical symbolPublic health law examines the authority of the government at various jurisdictional levels to improve the health of the general population within societal limits and norms. Local and state health agencies are the first line of preparedness for infectious disease pandemics and other threats to the health of the public. Their success hinges on many factors, including, their "legal preparedness," that is, their understanding of and capacity to use, laws and legal authorities that support effective response. Those legal authorities are complex and involve laws at the federal, state, local, and Tribal levels. Further, they are found in multiple sectors, including not only the public health sector but also such sectors as emergency management, health care, law enforcement, education, and transportation.

 

Oregon Revised Statutes

Chapter 431A: Public Health Programs and Activities

Chapter 444: Special Medical Services for Children

Chapter 445: Indigent Persons Injured in Motor Vehicle Accidents

 

Related Oregon Revised Statutes

Chapter 401: Emergency Management and Services

Chapter 402: Emergency Mutual Assistance Agreements

Chapter 431: State and Local Administration and Enforcement of Health Laws

Chapter 433: Disease and Condition Control, Mass Gatherings, Indoor Air

 

Tools

Oregon Isolation and Quarantine Bench Book

Oregon Administrative Rules

OAR Chapter 333, Division 3: Public Health Preparedness

  • Impending Public Health Crisis
  • Emergency Health Care Services