Model State Emergency Health Powers Act

In October of 2001, the CDC put together a draft model law for the states, Model State Emergency Health Powers Act. The proposed model law would give state officials broad powers to close buildings, take over hospitals, and order quarantines during a biological attack. The various state legislatures would have to decide to adopt, or not adopt, the model law. A CDC conference considered a summary of public health powers necessary for adequate response to a bioterrorism incident that is reproduced below. 

Gostin, L. 0., Sapsin, J. W., Teret, S. P., Burris, S., Mair, J. S., Hodge, J. G., et al. (2002). Model State Emergency Health Powers Act Planning for and response to bioterrorism and naturally occurring infectious diseases. Journal of the American Medical Association, 288 S), 622-628. 

Hodge, J.G. (2006). The Model State Emergency Health Powers Act (MSEHPA) State legislative activity. The Center for Law the Public s Health. Updated April 15, 2006. Retrieved July 20, 2006, from www.publichealthlaw.net... 

Model State Emergency Health Powers Act. (2002). The Journal of Law, Medicine, Ethics, 30(2), 324-348. 

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