Forcing the task.
Although not generally included in public health curricula, public health policy formulation is essential to local agency public health operations. When public health measures are mandated by referendum of the electorate, such as the HIV exposure notification laws passed in California in 1988, health agencies must act prudently and quickly to formulate effective policies. We found it prudent to convene a task force that brought together the critical, albeit diverse, legal/judicial/health players. This action not only served to bring about consensus, but provided us with an opportunity to educate participants about the policy, and the implementation of appropriate communicable disease measures. Through consensus and education, we were able to implement the disclosure laws in a timely manner, create an atmosphere of trust, and enable a skilled and confident workforce.
Ehling
L R
LR
D002140:California; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D006286:Health Planning Councils; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D018580:Mandatory Testing; D011050:Policy Making; D011635:Public Health Administration; D014481:United States