Assignment 1

Select topic from below. Besides addressing the topic, try to include the following information (if applicable):

Read the background brief on health information technology at http://www.healthit.gov/newsroom/about-onc. Look through the infographics and fact sheets to see the benefits and costs of health IT are, define EHRs, and what type of issues can arise from health IT. State who you think should be responsible for funding the implementation of electronic medical records (EMR) and/or electronic health records (EHR). Also, state what types of incentives you think policymakers could use to influence providers' or payers' decisions to adopt the use of EMR's and/or EHR's.

Responses should be no less than 200 words in length not including your reference(s) and supported by at least two academic references (aside from the textbook).

Assignment 2

During this week's readings, you will learn about human response to hazards, disasters, emergencies, or catastrophes. For this assignment, discuss how you think you would respond to a hurricane, a terrorist incident, and a home fire. How are your natural responses similar or different from the guidelines provided in the text? Why do you think these similarities and differences occur? If you have had actual experience with one or more of these events, please feel free to include your authentic experiences. Responses should be no less than 250 words in length

Assignment 3

The best hope for avoiding the need for health care rationing and at the same time improving quality of life for the elderly in this country is to integrate public health measure with the medical system to prevent chronic disease. Discuss some strategies to do this.

1. Why is this topic important to Public Health?
2. Why did you select this topic? What is its importance?
3. How can we get involved?

Initial Response: Initial responses should be no less than 200 words in length not including your reference(s) and supported by at least two academic references.

Assignment 4

What role does Medicare and Medicaid play in meeting the health care needs of the American public? Which portion of Medicare is universal? What elective option does Medicare offer?

Initial Response: Initial responses should be no less than 200 words in length not including your reference(s) and supported by at least two academic references (aside from the textbook).

Assignment 5

1. Describe, in general terms, the operation stage of policy implementation.
2. Discuss the effect of implementing organizations on policy implementation.

Responses should be no less than 200 words in length not including your reference(s) and supported by at least two academic references.

Assignment 6

What did you learn about yourself from completing the self-assessments.

Responses should be a minimum of 200 words.