www.law.columbia.edu/center_program/ag/policy/health/Resources/healtharticles#62211a
State attorneys general have a track record of health advocacy. The existing jurisdiction of attorneys general in the area of public health is broad and often underutilized. Although there are attorneys general willing and anxious to help, existing health initiatives too often continue to proceed without the benefit of the voice and the leverage that attorneys general obviously bring. State attorneys general are extraordinary voices for the public good, and it is important to maximize their advocacy on behalf of our nation’s health.
On December 5
th, the
Health Project at the
National State Attorneys General Program hosted a roundtable discussion with designees from sixteen attorney general offices on the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The discussion focused on the role of state attorneys general beyond constitutional challenges
pending before the Supreme Court. Concentrating on areas where attorneys general have traditional involvement, the discussion highlighted areas expected to see more activity such as insurance market reforms, healthcare marketplace changes, and Medicaid expansion. The Health Project intends to release a resource guide that will reflect the responsibilities tasked to state attorneys general to aid their offices understand and prepare for healthcare reform implementation.
Raising awareness of the health risks of tobacco use and curbing cigarette marketing to children is an essential task of state attorneys general, especially following settlements against major cigarette manufacturers in the late 1990s. The National State Attorneys General Program's Tobacco Resources Initiative provides valuable resources for members of attorneys' general offices, regulators, and the public in dealing with tobacco-related legal issues, including information on past lawsuits and public anti-smoking efforts.
In February 2010, Vermont Attorney General William H. Sorrell launched an initiative to address the growing problem of obesity in his home state. The initiative convened various stakeholders to identify ways in which the Vermont Attorney General's office can complement the work of the state Departments of Health and Education on the subject of obesity.
More information:
Rudd Center Statistics on Vermont
Health Project
National State Attorneys General Program at Columbia Law School
605 West 113 Street, #1 New York, NY 10025
(p) 21... (f) 21...
