March Newsletter - 2004

Bioterrorism and the Law
This event involved a smallpox simulation exercise sponsored by the Michigan Attorney General's office.  Participants were from federal, state and local governmental offices and had expertise in public health, law enforcement, hospital administration, federal law, and local courts.  The participants sat at one of five tables to discuss issues within their "jurisdiction," which included local, state, federal, judicial system, and Canadian issues. The participants walked through a mock smallpox outbreak and dealt with realistic legal problems such as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance, quarantine implementation, interstate travel bans, and provider liability concerns.  In the event of such an outbreak, there will be a myriad of legal and ethical concerns that need to be addressed quickly to act effectively and minimize later legal implications.  These events, and others of its nature, are helpful in looking beyond the public health and medical aspects of bioterrorism toward a level of overall preparedness. 

Have a question or comment? Email bioterr@slu.edu