This course explores how statutes, regulations, common law, and market forces help or hinder three major goals of policy makers: increasing access, reducing cost, and improving quality. We will examine the Supreme Court’s rulings on the ACA and other legal aspects of modern health care reform. Learners who successfully complete this course will be able to describe the laws, regulations, common law and market forces that shape our health care system and identify areas where ideas and innovation are needed; explain the malpractice system and how it influences medical practice; and analyze legal aspects of the ACA.
U.S. Health Law Fundamentals
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
U.S. Health Law Fundamentals
This course is part of Healthcare Law Specialization
Instructor: Theodore Ruger
Top Instructor
10,453 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9
(234 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Identify the distinguishing features of the American healthcare system and the role of administrative law in modern medical care
Understand the history, scope, and limits of conscientious objection
Define the basic medical malpractice standard used in the U.S. legal system
Understand the role of the federal government in administering Medicare and Medicaid
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
4 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Healthcare Law Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
This introductory module begins with an overview of the U.S. legal system as context for the complex patchwork that is U.S. health law. We then look in detail at how administrative law functions to regulate modern medical care. Then we take a close look at our first specific law - EMTALA, which guarantees screening and stabilization in emergency situations.
What's included
6 videos3 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
The second module closely examines the doctor-patient relationship: how it is formed, terminated, and in some cases, abandoned. We then examine the rise of conscientious objection as a right of medical providers.
What's included
4 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
This module explores the various mechanisms in place to ensure quality control in the U.S. healthcare system, including licensure and accreditation as a preventative measure, and tort law and liability as a remedial measure.
What's included
5 videos2 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
This final module focuses on the role of the federal government in administering Medicare and Medicaid as well as the effects of the recently passed Affordable Care Act.
What's included
5 videos3 readings1 assignment
Instructor
Instructor ratings
5.0 (79 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Healthcare Management
University of Pennsylvania
Northeastern University
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Northeastern University
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 234
4.9
234 reviews
- 5 stars
92.76%
- 4 stars
5.53%
- 3 stars
1.27%
- 2 stars
0.42%
- 1 star
0%
New to Healthcare Management? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.