The law has a big impact on the way we live. Not only does it determine how much funding is allocated to different programs, but it can also influence the types of services we receive. For example, legislation can affect the types of treatment we get for survivors of violence against women. It can also impact the way we treat and respect people who are victims of sexual assault.
In 2020, the health care industry will be facing numerous legal challenges. Among them are challenges related to healthcare inequalities, vaccination mandates, human trafficking, voting issues, and environmental concerns. According to a recent report by Rutgers Law professors, these issues are likely to make up a significant portion of the court’s workload in the coming years.
One of the most common issues faced by health care providers in 2022 is the rising number of whistleblower claims. These cases often involve allegations of unlawful practices, such as the use of unsafe personal protective equipment and facemasks. However, in some instances, the issues may be less clear cut. Specifically, the issue of vaccination mandates is a controversial topic. As a result, employers are weighing between implementing a policy and forgoing it. Alternatively, they may choose to implement a policy and risk the loss of some of their employees.
Other issues that will be addressed in the court system in 2020 include: immigration, corporate involvement in facilitating human trafficking, and the role of the state in preventing violent crime. While many of these issues are not new, they are being reexamined under the current administration.
Another notable legal trend of the year was the increased use of statistics to demonstrate the effects of social justice initiatives. This includes the FTC’s planned study of non-price factors that contribute to the costs of health care. Using statistics can be efficient and effective, but it can also be a mistake. A better approach is to word the statistics appropriately.
Another legal issue of note in 2020 is the FTC’s study of the cost of health care, which could lead to enforcement activity. While this study is designed to inform the public of the cost of various services, it also will affect pricing in the healthcare market.
Finally, while the health care industry has been focused on addressing inequalities in the past, advocates will be looking for a solution to these inequities. In the coming year, this will include discussions on the prevalence of gender-based violence, and the use of microaggressions.
Although these are not the only legal issues that will be tackled by the courts in the coming years, they are the most important. Others that will be discussed include: immigration, environmental concerns, and global displacement. All of these are highly complex legal challenges, and require a significant amount of time and money.
Regardless of what the outcome of these various legal challenges are, the law will remain an integral part of public policy in the coming year.