In this course, students will learn what constitutes health policy and how it is developed and implemented by state, local, and federal governments. The course will focus on the major policy issues of access, quality and cost of healthcare. Students will analyze various health care policies and the impacts on identified stakeholders to learn how to influence policy and be an advocate as a healthcare professional. This course also reviews the basic components of the healthcare system and policy such as public and private insurance, hospitals, reform, innovation, and primary care. Disparities in health and health care access will also be addressed through study of structural factors that influence health and the healthcare system.
AH 204 with a grade of "C" or better.