Preemption affects every public health professional. The legal term “preemption” may have little resonance outside of courts and legislative chambers. But what it describes — the invalidation of state law by federal law, or local law by state or federal law — has profound significance for public health. 

NPLAN has developed several resources that provide public health professionals with the basics of preemption. These resources are for anyone who participates, or wants to participate, in the public health policymaking process. In addition to explaining the legal concepts behind preemption, these resources provide practical strategies to address preemption in legislation.

Preemption & Public Health Training
In September, NPLAN, in collaboration with the Public Health Law Center, hosted a webinar to train public health professionals on preemption concepts.

Webinar Agenda & Presentations

Presentation slides are available for download

Preemption: What it is, how it works, and why it matters for public health
A preemption primer for public health professionals.

Preemption and the Obesity Epidemic: State and Local Menu Labeling Laws and the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act
An article from the Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics (2008;36:772-789) that explores preemption issues.

You may also view the webinar on WebEx. In order to view the recorded presentation, you will need to install the ARF Player.