HPLE 301 – Healthcare Policy, Law & Ethics

COURSE NAME: HEALTHCARE POLICY, LAW & ETHICS

COURSE CODE: HPLE 301

COURSE CREDIT: 3

MODE OF STUDY: ONLINE 

 COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides comprehensive knowledge of healthcare systems, policy development, legal frameworks, and the ethical principles that guide healthcare practice and public health governance. The course examines the interaction between law, policy, and ethics in shaping healthcare delivery, regulation, and accountability.

Students will critically analyze healthcare legislation, professional responsibilities, regulatory compliance, bioethical dilemmas, human rights frameworks, and global health governance structures, including the role of the World Health Organization and international health regulations.

The program prepares graduates for leadership, compliance, policy advisory, and governance roles within healthcare institutions, public health agencies, NGOs, and regulatory bodies.

WHY THIS COURSE IS IMPORTANT?

Healthcare delivery operates within complex legal and ethical frameworks that directly affect patient safety, institutional accountability, and public trust. Rapid healthcare reforms, technological advancements, and global health challenges require professionals who understand policy formulation, legal compliance, and ethical decision-making.

As health systems pursue Universal Health Coverage and equitable access to care, knowledge of healthcare law, human rights, governance, and regulation becomes essential. This course equips professionals to navigate malpractice risks, regulatory compliance, public health emergencies, digital health regulation, and ethical dilemmas in modern healthcare environments.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Analyze healthcare policies and governance structures.
2. Interpret healthcare laws and regulatory frameworks.
3. Apply ethical principles in healthcare decision-making.
4. Evaluate public health legal authority and limitations.
5. Assess medical negligence and malpractice cases.
6. Examine human rights frameworks in healthcare delivery.
7. Conduct policy analysis and economic evaluation in healthcare.
8. Promote accountability, leadership, and ethical governance in health systems.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate national and global healthcare policies.
2. Interpret legal obligations of healthcare professionals and institutions.
3. Apply bioethical principles to complex clinical and policy scenarios.
4. Assess regulatory compliance requirements in healthcare organizations.
5. Analyze malpractice and negligence cases using legal frameworks.
6. Integrate human rights principles into healthcare decision-making.
7. Conduct policy impact and cost-effectiveness analysis.
8. Demonstrate leadership and ethical accountability in healthcare governance.