Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.
Abstract
This report provides an overview of federal and state public health laws as they
relate to the quarantine and isolation of individuals, a discussion of constitutional
issues that may be raised should individual liberties be restricted in a quarantine
situation, and federalism questions that may arise where federal and state authorities
overlap. In addition, the possible role of the armed forces in enforcing public health
measures is discussed, specifically whether the Posse Comitatus Act would constrain
any military role, and other statutory authorities that may be used for the military
enforcement of health measures