Navigating Health Regulation and Public Response

This chapter explores the limitations of the FDA's oversight during public health crises, such as the opioid epidemic and COVID-19, revealing how this has led to unregulated alternatives and unintended consequences in policy-making. The discussion underscores the importance of considering real-world implications while weighing public health decisions, especially regarding school closures and the protection of vulnerable populations. It critically examines the motivations behind policy decisions and the societal reactions that can arise when regulations fall short.