Rothstein to assess SARS response for CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has contracted with Mark A. Rothstein, director of the UofL Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law, to assess the public health response to SARS overseas and to develop policy options regarding SARS and other highly infectious diseases in America.

"The United States hasn't had to face issues of quarantine and public health and safety on this scale since the flu epidemic of 1918," Rothstein said in reference to the recent emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

Rothstein and his team will be working closely with the World Health Organization and the CDC to study SARS experiences in Asia and Canada from epidemiological, legal, policy, public health and logistical standpoints.

The team will address questions of privacy, legal authority, infrastructure and communications, as well as how each affects public health and welfare.

"For instance," Rothstein explained, "thermal imaging technology could be installed in airports to take the temperature of departing and arriving passengers. Does taking someone's temperature without consent infringe upon privacy? More importantly, what are the legal implications for a person's right to travel freely if decisions are based on personal information obtained through such technology?"

Working with Rothstein will be Larry Palmer, who holds the institute's endowed chair in urban health policy, supported through the state's Research Challenge Trust Fund; and UofL faculty members Nannette Elster, Howard Stone and Gabriela Alcalde.

Richard Hoffman, former chief medical officer of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, will provide assistance.