This course will explore current issues in health law, with a particular focus on the legal issues posed by health reform. Why did we need health reform? How was it effectuated and how did it change the legal structure of health care access and delivery? What constitutional issues does the health reform raise? (This issue will become extremely salient if the health reform legislation is before the U.S. Supreme Court during the semester.). What is the right state/federal balance in health care regulation and delivery? What critical issues remain? To evaluate these questions, we'll learn about the basic structure of our health law system--the major federal agencies involved, the major statutes (Medicaid, Medicare, ERISA), and the states' important role. Time permitting, we may also take up other emerging issues, such as modern topics in bioethics. Students will be expected to write a research paper on any topic of their choice that relates to the course.
Students who have some non-legal background in health, or who have taken a health-law-related course already, are especially encouraged to apply, but the course will be open to students who are new to health law as well. To apply for admission, please send a statement of interest and a resume to kprada@law.columbia.edu by Nov. 15. You will be notified of the admission decision by e-mail on or about Nov. 22.
Section Offerings for 2012-13
There are no offered sections in 2012-13. Please choose a different year.