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. 2006 Feb 20;34(1):77–84. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-720X.2006.00010.x

Transforming Public Health Law: The Turning Point Model State Public Health Act

James G Hodge Jr 1, Lawrence O Gostin 2, Kristine Gebbie 3, Deborah L Erickson 4
PMCID: PMC7166682  PMID: 16489986

Abstract

Law is an essential tool for improving public health infrastructure and outcomes; however, existing state statutory public health laws may be insufficient. Built over decades in response to various diseases/conditions, public health laws are antiquated, divergent, and confusing. The Turning Point Public Health Statute Modernization National Collaborative addressed the need for public health law reform by producing a comprehensive model state act. The Act provides scientifically, ethically, and legally sound provisions on public health infrastructure, powers, duties, and practice. This article examines (1) how statutory law can be a tool for improving the public's health, (2) existing needs for public health law reform, (3) themes and provisions of the Turning Point Act, and (4) how it is being used by public health practitioners.

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