Communicable disease and mental health: restrictions of the person

Abstract

Laws for the protection of public health control either the environment, as in the case of sanitation or air pollution regulations, or human conduct. This Article deals with limitations imposed upon individuals in order to prevent the spread of communicable disease and the harm resulting from mental illness. The restraints discussed include compulsory examination and immunization, and forms of compulsory detention or commitment. This Article is a revised chapter of the author's Public Health Law Manual, first published by the American Public Health Association in 1965. The Manual is intended to help public health professionals to understand the law relevant to their practice, and to apply it more effectively.