In 2020, the legal system will be grappling with issues such as healthcare, immigration, and LGBTQ rights. Law is a huge part of public policy, and it has a significant impact on what services are provided and how they are offered.
As health care advocates and lawmakers look to solve the health care system’s inequalities, one of the most important areas to focus on is the definition of diversity. The federal government’s Executive Order 11246 requires health care employers to create diversity goals.
Another critical issue is human trafficking. Courts will examine the conditions of detention, as well as corporate involvement in the trafficking process.
Voting issues also remain a big part of the legal landscape in 2020. President Biden ordered vaccination mandates for the federal workforce in September 2021. This was followed by an increase in whistleblower complaints. However, the regulations survived multiple legal challenges.
During the 2021 presidential administration, the issue of COVID-19 vaccination was more contentious. Health care workers at hospitals that participate in Medicare and Medicaid were required to have the vaccination. Despite the federal regulation, there were many state lawsuits involving the requirement.
Genetics is also becoming an issue in courtrooms. For example, in toxic tort cases, defendants may argue that plaintiff’s genes caused the disease. But plaintiffs must respond to this argument.
Vaccination policies are also being challenged by health care providers. For example, Sanford Health acquired Mid-Dakota Clinic. It may be torn between implementing the policy or avoiding it in the future.