Legal Definitions - health

Definition:Health law encompasses the laws and regulations related to public health, healthcare, and medical care. The state has the primary responsibility of preserving public health, and health regulations and laws are mostly administered at the state level. Federal health law focuses on the activities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees various agencies and programs related to healthcare.

Examples:

• State laws that require individuals to wear seat belts while driving to prevent injuries in case of an accident.
• The HHS administering programs like Medicare and Medicaid to provide financial assistance to elderly and needy individuals for proper medical care.
• The Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973, which regulates health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that provide healthcare services to individuals through a triangle relationship between physician, patient, and payer.

The examples illustrate how health law aims to promote public health and ensure that individuals receive proper medical care. State laws like seat belt laws prevent injuries and promote public health, while federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid provide financial assistance to individuals who cannot afford medical care. The Health Maintenance Organization Act regulates HMOs to ensure that individuals receive healthcare services through a managed care model that spreads the risk of high hospitalization bills between all individuals.