HEALTH POLICY
Overview
The majority of health classes are offered at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, which utilizes a quarter system, so a conversion factor is employed to guarantee that health students complete an equivalent number of credits. These conversions are listed in the IPS Graduate Student Handbook. Generally, students need to complete 12 IPS credits (four classes at three credits each), which translate into 18 School of Public Health credits. It should be noted that School of Public Health classes range from one to four credits. Students interested in the Health Policy certificate connected with the Bloomberg School of Public Health can contact Lisa Dubay.
Suggested Classes
380.665 Family Planning, Policies and Program (3rd Q)
Introduces issues and programmatic strategies related to the development, organization, and management of family planning programs, especially those in developing countries. Topics include social, economic, health, and human rights rationale for family planning; identifying and measuring populations in need of family
planning services; social, cultural, political, and ethical barriers; contraceptive methods and their programmatic requirements; strategic alternatives, including integrated and vertical programs and public and private sector services; information, education, and communication strategies; management information
systems; and the use of computer models for program design.
301.645 Health Advocacy (4th Q)
Prepares health professionals, (from government health officials, business leaders, non-profit organization representatives to scientists) to advance public health policy improvements. Through lectures, extensive group exercises and a "mock" congressional hearing, students develop the skills to evaluate the policymaking
process, create opportunities to inform and influence policymaking, and become more effective in translating and communicating in a policymaking environment.
309.605 Health Issues for Aging Populations (1st Q)
Introduces the study of aging and its implications for individuals, families, and society, and the background for health policy related to older persons. Presents an overview on aging from different perspectives: demography, biology, epidemiology of diseases, physical and mental disorders, functional capacity and disability, health services, federal and state health policies, social aspects of aging, and ethical issues in the care of older individuals.
317.600 Introduction to Risk Sciences and Public Policy (1st Q)
Provides an introduction to the basic paradigm for quantitative risk assessment and illustrates its application in the public policy process using case studies. Examines risk assessment in a broad societal context, considering social, economic, and political factors that affect risk decision-making; evolution of risk assessment; and the use of risk assessment in regulatory processes. Students complete a risk assessment exercise.
380.624 Maternal and Child Health Legislation and Programs (2nd Q)
Analyzes the structure, organization, administration and management of social and health service programs serving the maternal and child health populations. Lectures, discussions, and analysis of current research and practice present the goals and impact of national programs such as Title V MCH/CSHCN, Medicaid/SCHIP,
early intervention, Family Planning, WIC/Nutrition, community/migrant health centers, child welfare, and of privately sponsored programs.
308.665 Financing and Delivery of Health Services for Vulnerable Populations (4th Q)
Provides an overview of public policy issues associated with the organization, financing, and delivery of health services to vulnerable populations and the safety net providers that serve them. Addresses the impact of competitive market forces, financing, organizational subsidies, population factors, and federal, state, and
local policies regarding health services. Analyzes (1) public funding programs for vulnerable populations, (2) the relationship between low income populations and policies of managed care organizations, (3) the interdependent roles and effects of federal, state, and local policies on health services for vulnerable populations, and (4) strategies to integrate public and private funding streams to ensure financial viability and survival of safety net providers.
221.609 Comparative Health Systems (4th Q)
Provides an overview of organizational and financing policies underlying changes occurring in the health sector – comparing low, middle, and high income countries. Introduces students to a conceptual framework
of financing flows in the health sector, and proceeds to identify a series of topics and case studies that are the subject of specific lectures. Topics include: 1. Sources of revenue for the health sector; 2. Health care coverage for different population groups; 3. Provider organization – including public-private collaboration and provider payment mechanisms; and 4. Factors influencing demand for – and access to – health care.
Other Possible Classes
300.600 Introduction to Health Policy and Management
301.620 Health Work and the Labor Movement
306.663 Ethical Issues in the Evolving Health Care Delivery System
301.615 Seminar in Minority Health
301.612 Health, Poverty, and Public Policy in the U.S.
301.655 Ethical Issues in Public Health
301.607 Health Policy Analysis and Synthesis
300.652 Health Policy and Politics
306.550 Public Health and the Law
301.603 Political Context of Public Health
300.652 Health Policy and Politics
303.606 Implementation and Sustainability of Community-based Health Programs
300.651 Organization, Financing and Delivery of Health Services
309.620 HMOs and Managed Care