The Opioid Epidemic and the Future of Public Health Emergencies

ABA Health eSource; 2018 14(5)

8 Pages Posted: 16 Feb 2018

See all articles by Sarah Wetter

Sarah Wetter

Center for Health and Homeland Security, University of Maryland

James G. Hodge

Arizona State University (ASU) - Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

Danielle Chronister

Arizona State University (ASU), Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Students

Alexandra Hess

Arizona State University (ASU), Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Students

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: January 1, 2018

Abstract

On October 26, 2017, after weeks of internal deliberations, President Donald Trump directed Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Eric Hargan to declare a national state of public health emergency (PHE) in response to the escalating opioid epidemic. In so doing, the President classified the opioid epidemic as the deadliest PHE to ever be so designated since the nomenclature originated in 2001. HHS’ declaration has generated considerable controversy. However, the primary question is not whether the opioid epidemic qualifies as a PHE, but rather what other conditions might also constitute PHEs going forward. This article suggests a series of criteria designed to better clarify PHEs for the future.

Suggested Citation

Wetter, Sarah and Hodge, James G. and Chronister, Danielle and Hess, Alexandra, The Opioid Epidemic and the Future of Public Health Emergencies (January 1, 2018). ABA Health eSource; 2018 14(5), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3112908

Sarah Wetter (Contact Author)

Center for Health and Homeland Security, University of Maryland ( email )

Baltimore, MD 21230
United States

James G. Hodge

Arizona State University (ASU) - Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law ( email )

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
111 E. Taylor Street, MC 9520
Phoenix, AZ 85004-4467
United States
480-727-8576 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://law.asu.edu/degree-programs/public-health-law-policy

Danielle Chronister

Arizona State University (ASU), Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Students ( email )

Box 877906
Tempe, AZ 85287-7906
United States

Alexandra Hess

Arizona State University (ASU), Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Students ( email )

Box 877906
Tempe, AZ 85287-7906
United States

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