BSDP-583
Legal and Ethical Implications of Disasters

Students will examine the legal and ethical implications of disaster management. Elements of public health law and the principles of ethics will be covered. Students will apply ethical principles and public health laws to disaster planning and response scenarios through case studies and disaster simulations.

Course Number: BSDP-583
Classification: Required
Credits Earned: 3
Term Available: Spring/Summer
Faculty: Terri Rebmann

Course Description:

Students will examine the legal and ethical implications of disaster management. Elements of public health law and the principles of ethics will be covered. Students will apply ethical principles and public health laws to disaster planning and response scenarios through case studies and disaster simulations.

Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course a student will be able to:
• Describe the legal and ethical implications of past disasters
• Apply ethical principles to various disaster planning scenarios
• Explain public health laws that apply to disasters
• Develop disaster response interventions that address public health legal issues and ethical factors

Core Competencies Covered in Class:
• Apply ethical principles to various disaster planning scenarios
• Explain public health laws that apply to disasters and describe legal and ethical implications of past disasters
• Develop disaster response interventions that address public health legal issues and ethical factors
• Debate and formulate an evidence-based decision about an ethical issue related to disaster planning
• Be familiar with the ethical decisions that must be made during an infectious disease emergency

Course Format:
Lectures, readings, and seminar discussions