Report: Jurisdictions Consider Policies’ Affect on Health

Many jurisdictions across the U.S. -- including states and cities, as well as tribal and federal laws -- have requirements that certain policies must be assessed for their effect on area health, according to a recent report from Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. These assessments examine policies' effect on physical and psychological health and general well-being. The report found that 22 out of 36 jurisdictions -- including some located in California -- use health assessments for policies relating to energy or the environment.

• "Study: Many Jurisdictions Already Evaluate Impact of Policy on Health" (Gilligan, HealthyCal, 4/19).