Chapter 4

Book abstract: There has been a considerable volume of commentary published in recent years on medical law. However it is increasingly apparent that a focus on individual medical treatments as an approach to the determination of health is inappropriate,and that health is determined as much by health policies as by medicine. The introduction of the dialogue of human rights into domestic law, along with recognition of the global nature of threats to health from disease, the environment and development, necessitate a broader approach to health law commentary. This book addresses the legal framework and regulation of the public dimension of health. The constraints on formulation of health policies and the legal infrastructure of health regulation at national, European and international level are examined. Particular health concerns are then considered in the context of law. This book provides an essential text for any health law or public health programme, and will be useful to commentators with research interests in any area of health.