ASTHO Legislative Prospectus | Previewing 2025 state legislative actions on data modernization and privacy.
Opportunities for Public Health Agencies to Advance Sustainable Financing of Community Health Worker Programs Advancing Sustainable Financing of Community Health Workers Explore how health officials can play key roles as funders, administrators, and policy designers to advance sustainable financing of community health workers. Many states face upcoming funding gaps for community health worker (CHW) positions, with COVID-19 related grant funding streams expiring. Concurrently, many states are rapidly beginning to cover CHW services under Medicaid. In addition, Medicare launched a new reimbursement opportunity for CHWs in January 2024. These factors create an opportunity for state and territorial health agencies to develop or contribute to equitable reimbursement and robust implementation. This report details how health officials can play key roles as funders, administrators, and policy design champions to ultimately advance sustainable financing of CHW services. Get the Report (PDF) website yes
This report identifies and breaks down seven core value areas that emerge from taking a health in all policies approach to policymaking and programming.
Social determinants of healthcare are the conditions in which people are born, live, work, play, worship, and age. Read how these issues affect population health.
Braiding and layering funding allows state health departments to leverage diverse fundings sources and amplify their impact. Learn more about this strategy and its importance.
Several states and territories, as well as many local governments, are going beyond recommendations and requiring individuals to wear face coverings when they are in public settings and spaces (i.e. grocery stores, retail stores, restaurants, public and private transportation services, parks, etc.). Ongoing research and evidence suggests the relationship between mandatory face coverings and declines in daily COVID-19 growth rates is statistically significant.
The 2020 holiday season is coinciding with a nationwide surge of COVID-19 cases. With great concern that holiday travel to see loved ones may exacerbate community spread of the virus, many states are increasing public health measures before the winter holiday season. As of November 16, 2020, 13 states and D.C. had a quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers. The U.S. territories also have instituted travel restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19.
This blog from ASTHO’s PH-HERO team touches on the importance of trauma-responsive leadership in the public health workforce.
States Support Postpartum Health with Medicaid Expansions astho, association of state and territorial health officials, 2023 state legislative session, medicaid expansions, postpartum health, the consolidated appropriations act, national women s health week, postpartum coverage, affordable care act, premium tax credits, affordable care, 12 weeks, united states, extended postpartum coverage, health a priority, medicaid program, national women s health, mother s day, 2023 legislative, vaginal birth, physical activity, women s health week, postpartum care, coverage for 12 months, 60 days, state plan amendment, care act, postpartum depression, health care Sowmya Kuruganti National Women’s Health Week reminds us that postpartum care is critical for the long-term health of the birthing parent and baby. National Women’s Health Week’s 2023 theme—Women’s Health, Whole Health: Prevention, Care and Wellbeing—is a reminder that postpartum care is critical for the long-term health of the birthing parent and baby. The first year after pregnancy can be full of physical, emotional, and mental health challenges that have long-term or even life-threatening health impacts without timely diagnosis and treatment. In September 2022 CDC reported that 23% of pregnancy-related deaths occur from seven to 42 days postpartum, and 30% of deaths occur 43-365 days postpartum. Among all pregnancy-related deaths occurring from 2017 to 2019, approximately 84% were deemed preventable. Black and American Indian and Alaskan Native <!--(AI/AN)--> women have two to three times higher rates of pregnancy-related death compared to white women. These disparities, like others, are driven by social and economic factors that are rooted in structural and systemic racism and discrimination. Health insurance coverage is one such factor that supports positive maternal health outcomes by facilitating access to care before, during, and after pregnancy. In the United States, 40% of births are covered by Medicaid, which is the primary source of health coverage and access to care for those of low income. Organizations like ASTHO and the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs support extending Medicaid coverage through one-year postpartum to combat disparities in maternal health outcomes. Federal Legislation for Postpartum Coverage under Medicaid For the majority of states that have adopted Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all people with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) are eligible for Medicaid. In states without Medicaid expansion, pregnant people can be eligible for coverage during pregnancy and up to 60 days postpartum under federal law. After 60 days postpartum, these people may lose coverage for the rest of the year-long postpartum period based on general state Medicaid eligibility requirements. Prior to 2021, states could extend Medicaid coverage to postpartum people through a section 1115 demonstration waiver or through state funds. The enactment of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, gave states another option to extend Medicaid coverage to 12 months postpartum via state plan amendment for five years. So far in 2023, CMS has approved the State Plan Amendments for five states (Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island) implementing a 12-month postpartum expansion. To date, a total of 33 states have expanded Medicaid coverage to 12 months postpartum via Section 1115 demonstration waiver or state plan amendment. 2023 State Legislative Session Depending on states rules for modifying Medicaid coverage the legislature may need to direct the health department to submit a state plan amendment. So far in 2023, three states enacted legislation related to expanding coverage to 12 months postpartum. In Mississippi, SB 2212 authorizes the state’s Division of Medicaid to provide 12 months continuous postpartum coverage to people who qualify. Utah’s SB 133 extends coverage for 12 months postpartum for women eligible for Medicaid during pregnancy. In Wyoming, HB 4 temporarily extends Medicaid coverage for qualifying pregnant women for 12 months postpartum, ending March 31, 2027. Other states introduced bills to extend postpartum coverage during this session. The Alaska Legislature passed legislation (SB 58) directing the Department of Health to submit a state plan amendment extending postpartum coverage to 12 months, and to raise the household income level for eligibility to 225% of the FPL. The bill is currently awaiting action by the governor. Iowa introduced legislation (SF 57) to enact postpartum coverage for 12 months postpartum by Medicaid State Plan Amendment. This would extend the current 60-day postpartum coverage for Medicaid beneficiaries. The Missouri legislature passed (SB 45) that would extend MO HealthNet postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months postpartum for women who are either currently receiving or eligible to receive aid to families with dependent children, or eligible to receive benefits via the income eligibility standard. Pregnant women eligible for MO HealthNet and receiving mental health treatment for postpartum depression, related mental health conditions, or substance abuse treatment within sixty days of giving birth would remain eligible for benefits for those services for an additional 12 months. The bill is currently awaiting action by the governor. Nebraska introduced legislation (LB 419) to extend postpartum coverage for 12 months postpartum that would extend the current 60 day postpartum coverage. Texas introduced legislation (HB 12) to extend postpartum coverage to 12 months; it has passed in the House and is now pending in the Senate. Its passage would significantly change the current coverage structure, which uses state funds to provide postpartum people a limited package of postpartum services through the Healthy Texas Women program under HB 133, and subsequently submitted 1115 waivers to draw down federal funds for the program and extend coverage to six months postpartum. Wisconsin introduced companion bills (AB 114/SB 110) extending postpartum coverage for 12 months postpartum for women eligible for Medicaid during pregnancy. This action would extend coverage from the current 60 days and amend the previous 90-day Section 1115 Waiver submitted in 2021. Studies have demonstrated numerous benefits of extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum people and, given these positive impacts, ASTHO expects that more states will take action to extend Medicaid to 12 months postpartum. ASTHO will continue to monitor and report on this essential maternal public health issue. website yes
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted youth mental health, particularly as a result of school closures, social isolation, family economic hardship, fear of family loss or illness, and reduced access to healthcare. However, states have many strategies to choose from to improve youth mental health and reduce suicide.
ASTHO Legislative Prospectus | Previewing 2025 state legislative actions on substance misuse and overdose prevention.
States Stay Prepared by Supporting the Public Health Workforce Margaret Nilz, Christina Severin Learn how states use policy to support emergency preparedness and bolster the public health workforce. Public health — particularly public health preparedness — continues to experience workforce shortages, driven by longstanding systemic challenges such as chronic underfunding, high turnover, limited recruitment, and an aging workforce. While some jurisdictions report increased capacity to hire and train public health staff in recent years, they often rely on short-term or temporary funding streams, which limit long-term sustainability. State, local, tribal, and territorial health agencies have varying capacities to respond to public health emergencies, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Because a limited workforce can inhibit emergency preparedness efforts, jurisdictions recognize the importance of cultivating a resilient public health preparedness workforce to respond to future emergencies. In recent years, jurisdictions have pursued several policy interventions to bolster the public health preparedness workforce such as legislation supporting front-line clinical staff and first responders, and rulemaking and other executive powers to provide structural and financial support to critical personnel. Legislative Efforts Legislative efforts to increase benefits and support for health care and public health workers can help address the root causes of workforce challenges and lay the groundwork for sustainable, long-term investment in public health preparedness. Laws that establish standards and expectations for the preparedness workforce, including expansions of benefits or additional training, support workforce growth and retention. Since 2024, several jurisdictions expanded mental health benefits and related support for first responders and other preparedness personnel. Both Alaska (SB 103) and California (AB 2859) enacted legislation that allows peer support programs for emergency service personnel. In Alaska, the bill creates programs for entities such as law enforcement agencies, firefighters, and emergency dispatchers, while California’s bill creates programs to serve a variety of health care providers involved in emergency medical care, including physicians, nurses, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Utah enacted HB 378, which requires the Department of Public Safety to annually distribute information about its critical incident stress management program to first responder agencies. The bill also requires first responder agencies to annually notify employees about the availability of mental health resources, including periodic screenings for employees and continued support for retired or separated first responders and their spouses. On a broader scale, Hawaii SB 3279 recently established a well-being project tasked with mental health trainings and support for several community organizations, including first responders, hospitals, and medical staff. In Washington, HB 2311 directs the state’s Criminal Justice Training Commission to develop resources for first responder wellness, including a peer support network for active and retired first responders and their families. States have also enacted legislation expanding traditional employment-related benefits, including Colorado (HB 24-1219), which expanded certain health benefits for firefighters to include part-time and volunteer firefighters, and Idaho HB 55, which allows retired public employees to volunteer with public employers without it being considered reemployment. In addition, Georgia HB 451 requires state and local entities to provide disability benefits for first responders who experience occupational or volunteer-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Finally, several jurisdictions enacted legislation to support education and training for their public health and health care workforce. For example, Kentucky HB 484 established an emergency medical service education grant program that provides tuition support for students pursuing paramedic certification, wage reimbursement to ambulance providers whose employees pursue certification, and funding for institutions planning to offer EMT, advanced EMT, and paramedic programs. Oklahoma HB 1696 expands eligibility for the Oklahoma Medical Loan Repayment program to include certified nurse practitioners. Two new laws in Puerto Rico require police officers with the Puerto Rico Police Bureau to be certified in first aid or immediate rescue (PC 0859) and adds seminars on sign language, suicide prevention, and conflict mediation to the Bureau’s continuing education training (PC 0543). Other Policy Levers: Beyond the Legislature Jurisdictions can also use non-legislative policy tools to enhance workforce capacity in public health preparedness. This includes rulemaking, where executive agencies use existing legal authority to adopt or amend regulations. Regulations have the force of law and can help support the public health workforce by establishing licensure standards, training requirements, and operational protocols. Wisconsin, following the enactment of AB 576 in 2024, is developing rules to establish a program for peer support and critical stress management teams in the state. And Utah recently adopted rules for its first responder mental health services grant, which helps these professionals pursue a degree or certification as a mental health provider. Government agencies can also leverage grants and contracts to fund and otherwise direct workforce development initiatives, support training programs, and expand capacity in targeted areas. Jurisdictions can strategically direct funds to address skill gaps and assist local, state, tribal, and territorial agencies build a more resilient workforce. One example of this is in Michigan, where in 2024 the state health agency issued a request for grant proposals to award up to $9 million in EMS workforce grants, building on similar awards to address EMS shortages in 2023. Executive orders are another policy option for jurisdictions to consider as they explore different pathways to workforce sustainability. Executive orders are issued by a jurisdiction’s chief executive (often the governor) and direct certain policy actions or activities. Generally, the power to issue an executive order comes from existing law or a jurisdiction’s constitution and, in most cases, does not require legislative approval or review. Several states have leveraged executive orders to advance the public health workforce and support preparedness activities more specifically. For example, Vermont and New Jersey have recently used executive orders to create or extend advisory councils on issues pertinent to public health preparedness. In 2024, Virginia’s governor issued an executive order formalizing the Office of First Responder Wellness, which provides training, counseling, and other resources to first responders in Virginia. In 2023, the governor of Maryland issued an executive order establishing a State of Preparedness directive if there is a risk of public emergency, and the actions state agencies must undertake to promote improved coordination and hazard planning. Key Takeaways Addressing public health emergency preparedness workforce challenges demands strategic, long-term policy solutions, but several implementation options are available. Health agencies can pursue a variety of policy interventions to support and prepare their public health workforce for future emergencies. ASTHO will continue to monitor this important issue and provide updates as appropriate. article yes
Assessment of Foundational Capabilities Assessment of Foundational Capabilities in Public Health Grace Gorenflo, Brian Lentes, Melissa Touma, Anna Bradley Learn how state health departments are implementing the Foundational Public Health Services model to bolster their public health work in this report. The Foundational Public Health Services model serves as the core framework for defining cross-cutting capabilities essential for public health departments to deliver a minimum standard of service. This report compiles examples and assessments from 25 states to illustrate the implementation and progress of these foundational capabilities. Highlighting the importance of public health infrastructure, the report also includes a summary of state activities, showcases models and strategies for modernization and transformation, and reference tools such as cost assessments, legislation, and funding mechanisms used to strengthen public health systems nationwide. Dive into the full report to access these resources. Download the Report (PDF) article yes
Leveraging Healthy People 2030 to Build Non-Traditional Multisector Partnerships multisector partnerships, healthy people 2030, health equity, health outcomes, social services, health disparities, preventable disease, premature death, health literacy, economic stability, social determinants of health, department of health, improving the health, united states, long term, life expectancies, population health, chronic diseases, prevention and health promotion, health care system, disease prevention and health, health systems, healthy people 2030 objective, subject matter experts, office of disease prevention, personal health literacy, achieving health equity, health problem, population groups, astho, association of state and territorial health officials Corinne Gillenwater, Megan DeNubila-Griffin ASTHO | This toolkit helps public health build and maintain relationships with non-traditional partners across a multitude of sectors. The goal of this toolkit is to help state and territorial health agencies (S/THAs) build non-traditional, non-public health sector partnerships to improve health outcomes and advance health equity. The Healthy People 2030 objectives, aligned closely with the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework and Health in All Policies (HiAP) lens, can serve as the cornerstone of these collaborations. This toolkit is implementation-focused, providing partnership-building and -sustaining skills that are rooted in Healthy People 2030 tools and success stories and can be operationalized for community needs. Overall, this toolkit encourages S/THAs to implement these described strategies in their own public health practice to: Establish and maintain partnerships within and across sectors at the state and territorial level to create a shared vision of health. Respond to public health priorities collaboratively and strategically. On This Page Using Healthy People 2030 in Non-Traditional Partnerships to Improve Public Health Types of Non-Public Health Sector and Non-Traditional Partnerships for Consideration Foundations of Strong Partnerships Sustainability of Partnerships 10 Steps for Strong Public Health Multisector Partnerships Conclusion Additional Resources website yes
ASTHO’s 2024 Legislative Session Update: Part One legislative session, state policy, data collection, domestic violence, health information exchange, data privacy, substance misuse, overdose prevention, sexually transmitted infections, reproductive health, contraceptive care, climate change, public health, protect data, user data, personal data, centers for disease control, disease control and prevention, social media, data management, primary care, health organizations, higher risk, family planning, data sources, astho, association of state and territorial health officials Lillian Colasurdo, Maggie Davis, Lana McKinney, JoAnne McClure This past December, ASTHO announced the top 10 public health state policy issues to watch for during the 2024 state and territorial legislative sessions. With at least 30 states concluding their regularly scheduled 2024 sessions, here is a brief update on five of the topics to watch. Data Collection and Exchange As expected, there was an increase in proposed legislation that specifically advances electronic health data access, encourages interoperability, and safeguards identifiable patient health records; this was particularly true for vital records. Hundreds of bills have been introduced this session addressing state vital records systems. The state of Illinois alone has already passed several bills, including HB 2856, which requires veteran status to be designated on death certificates, and HB 2841, which prohibits the assessment of fees to victims of domestic violence who are seeking a certified vital record (birth or death certificate) from the state. Other states such as Arizona (SB 1252) considered legislation that would require the Department of Health to provide vital records information on deceased individuals to the qualifying health information exchange (HIE). Arizona is one of eight jurisdictions (AZ, FL, IA, IL, NH, NJ, OK, and WV) that have proposed legislation addressing HIEs this session. Most of these bills increase requirements to connect to HIEs, but New Hampshire HB 1663 and Oklahoma HB 3556 would allow patients and health care providers to opt out of HIEs. As many states look to address health data privacy concerns, New Hampshire recently passed a constitutional amendment granting the explicit right to privacy and has introduced HB 1663, which would update many of the state’s privacy laws regarding medical records to conform with the constitutional requirements. Just next door, Maine considered legislation (LD 1902) that would strengthen privacy requirements for reproductive and gender-affirming patient health information. Finally, the launch of the new federal Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) led to the Florida legislature proposing SB 668, which, had it passed, would have required hospitals to make patient records available through a nationally recognized trusted exchange framework. It would also have required the Agency for Health Care Administration to adopt relevant rules. Substance Misuse and Overdose Prevention Measures to prevent substance misuse and reduce overdoses, namely increasing access to opioid antagonists, such as naloxone and regulating substances with the potential for misuse, are priorities this legislative season. ASTHO anticipated that states would consider legislation to reduce fatal overdoses including decriminalizing drug checking equipment, expanding naloxone access and distribution, establishing overdose prevention centers, and establishing state regulatory frameworks for commercial substances with the potential for misuse, including kratom and Delta-8. Current legislative priorities to expand access to naloxone include public spaces, such as libraries, schools, workplaces. Island jurisdictions along with at least four states—Colorado (HB 24-1003), Tennessee (SB 2141), Virginia (HB 732), and Wisconsin (AB 223)—passed legislation to provide greater access to and/or proper storage of naloxone in school settings. Additionally, Virginia passed HB 342 that requires naloxone access in state agency buildings. These legislative actions, along with the approval last year by the FDA of two non-prescription naloxone spray products for over-the-counter use, are collectively powerful policy shifts to expand access to naloxone. In an attempt to regulate substances with the potential for abuse or misuse, specifically kratom, eight states have considered legislation that would restrict the sale to people under the age of 18. Similarly, twelve states have considered legislation that would restrict the sale of kratom to those under the age of 21. At least 22 states have considered legislation that would compel specific labeling requirements for kratom. Of those, California (AB 2365) and New Jersey (A 1188) would require kratom products to be registered with the state health department annually and require lab testing of the product to meet certain qualifications. Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections ASTHO has spotlighted the growing concerns of rising rates of sexually transmitted infections and state actions reducing congenital syphilis rates and expanding access to HIV prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Rates of both syphilis and congenital syphilis continue to rise at an alarming rate, with more than 10 times as many babies being born with syphilis in 2022 than in 2012. Routine screening and timely and adequate treatment of pregnant people for syphilis, ideally more than 30 days before delivery, can effectively prevent this condition in newborns. Due to increasing cases, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently updated their guidance for obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric care professionals advising serological screening for all pregnant individuals at the first prenatal visit and universal screening at the third trimester and at birth. During the 2024 legislative session at least two states—Missouri (SB 1260) and Maryland (HB 119)—are considering legislation that would require testing during pregnancy care at the third trimester for syphilis. Maryland’s legislature passed HB 119, which would require screening at the third trimester and at birth, as well as requiring the hospital to determine the syphilis status of the birthing parent before discharging the newborn. In 2023, New York enacted legislation (A 3007) that requires syphilis screening in the third trimester, and in the current legislative session they are considering S 2472, which would allow the state health department to provide education about congenital syphilis and screenings. At least six states have considered and passed legislation during the 2024 legislative session regarding expanded access for HIV prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Of those considered, Georgia enacted HB 1028 to allow PEP to be issued by a standing order; Florida’s legislature passed HB 159 that would allow pharmacists to screen for HIV exposure, order, and dispense prevention drugs PEP and PrEP and sent it to the governor. Similarly, in Delaware the Senate chamber passed SB 194 that would permit pharmacists to provide PrEP and PEP pursuant to an approved protocol. Family and Reproductive Health Policymakers across all levels of government continued taking steps to make it easier for people to access contraceptives. In 2023, at least 14 states enacted laws in 2023 to facilitate expanding access to contraceptive care by either expanding the ability for pharmacists to dispense birth control without an individualized prescription and/or allowing pharmacists to dispense up to 12 months of contraceptives at once. So far in 2024, at least 13 jurisdictions considered legislation allowing pharmacists to dispense contraceptives without a prescription and at least 18 states considered legislation supporting access to 12 month supply of contraceptives. Following FDA’s July 2023 approval of Opill—the first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill—the drug is currently available in stores with several major pharmacies and health plans announcing that they will provide the medication at zero cost for many health plan sponsors. To further support access to Opill, at least two states (New Mexico and Wisconsin) issued standing orders for Opill to facilitate Medicaid coverage of the medication. Additionally, Maryland’s legislature passed SB 527 in March 2024, which requires community colleges to develop and implement a plan to provide students access to OTC contraception. In February 2024, New York enacted S 8096 allowing the commissioner of health to issue a standing order allowing a pharmacist to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives, effective retroactively to January 1, 2024. Under the new law, New York’s Commissioner of Health issued a standing order to allow pharmacists to dispense up to 12 months of self-administered hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, vaginal rings, and contraceptive patches. Optimal Health for All ASTHO anticipates policymakers will take steps to improve collection of health disparities data, address inequities rural communities face in accessing care, and to support climate change adaptation planning efforts. So far in the 2024 legislative session, several states are considering bills to improve health care access and outcomes in rural areas. California is considering legislation (SB 945) that would build an integrated data dashboard to provide the public with information on the health impacts caused by wildfires and the effectiveness of forest health and wildfire mitigation on health outcomes. Additionally, California (AB 2342) is looking to ensure critical access hospitals on remote islands receive adequate funding through a dedicated annual supplement. New York is considering at least two bills that would promote rural health care access. First, New York S 8582 would create a pilot program to identify rural health zones and convene a rural health zone board
State efforts to reduce firearm injury and death with safe storage policies.