ASTHO, in collaboration with CDC, provided full-time disability and preparedness specialists to 17 jurisdictions to better meet the needs of people with disabilities. In this brief, specialists share their thoughts on why people living with disabilities may be hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine and some approaches public health officials can take to address vaccine hesitancy in people living with disabilities.
This ASTHOBrief contains three key recommendations for improving the 2013 CDC/CSTE Cancer Cluster Investigation Guidelines.
How states are using 1115 waivers to improve health equity for people on Medicaid.
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
After a year and a half of work as embedded disability specialists, 5 program participants share their reflections on important lessons learned and why disability inclusion is critical to the future of emergency preparedness.
This June marked the 40-year anniversary of the first five cases of what later became known as AIDS reported in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Since then, more than 32 million people have died from the disease worldwide and nearly 38 million currently live with the HIV virus (including 1.2 million people in the United States). Over that period, tremendous strides have been made in HIV testing, prevention strategies, and treatment of individuals living with the virus to ensure that they can lead healthier and longer lives. While these advancements have led to significant progress in reducing HIV/AIDS-related deaths and new infection rates, HIV/AIDS continues to be a persistent problem in the United States. The federal government and state legislatures are taking significant steps toward ending the HIV epidemic, including steps to reduce new infections, combating stigma, and advancing access to care and HIV prevention
As the Delta variant spreads across the country and increases the number of COVID-19 cases, the strain it is placing on the nation’s health system continues to grow. The surge of COVID-19 patients is contributing to a shortage of the medications and equipment used to treat the disease. As these limitations grow, decisions will need to be made as to which patients receive resources and care and which patients don’t. To guide these decisions, policies called crisis standards of care are often established to maximize resource benefit and ensure they are distributed equitably.
An increasing body of research finds racism can have a significant impact across one’s lifespan. Research shows that persistent exposure to racial discrimination may result in premature aging, poor health outcomes, and increased prevalence of certain chronic diseases. At every level of government, policymakers are seeking to acknowledge the systemic oppression of people of color that persists and to elevate racism as an urgent public health crisis comparable to other public health emergencies.
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.
Episode 620: Prepping for a Wave of Seniors, Listeria Response Relies on Communication website yes
These states are connecting public health and transportation to improve access to healthcare—learn how in this report.
Arizona Department of Health Services Pursues Policies to Advance Data Sharing with Tribal Nations Erik Skinner, Christina Severin, Reema Mistry The Arizona Department of Health Services is pursuing policies to advance data sharing with tribal nations, centered around partnerships, education, and more. With leadership support and funding to modernize its public health infrastructure, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is pursuing policies to advance data sharing with tribal nations. This includes investing in partnerships with tribal leaders, educating the public health workforce about tribal governments and tribal health care, and working to improve data identification processes to support effective data sharing between the state and tribal nations. Data sovereignty is an important consideration for ADHS, as there are 22 federally recognized tribal nations in Arizona. ADHS recognizes the inherent right of tribal nations to access their citizens’ public health data and is developing a tribal data sovereignty policy that both acknowledges their unique data needs and aligns with state requirements around tribal engagement. Leadership Support and Effective Tribal Engagement ADHS leadership understands the importance of making strong connections with tribal nations and recognizing each nation’s public health priorities while meeting its statutory requirement to develop tribal consultation policies. To that end, ADHS developed the tribal liaison position to serve as a resource, advocate, and communication link between ADHS and Arizona’s Native American health care community partners, including tribal community leaders, health and epidemiology directors, Indian Health Service (IHS), and Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs). Understanding cultural norms is essential to building trust with tribal partners; the tribal liaison role has been vital to ADHS engagement with tribal nations on data sovereignty topics. People and processes are important to establishing data sharing policies, and a well-informed workforce is essential for effective collaboration with sovereign tribal nations. ADHS is working with the Native Nation Institute to provide training on tribal sovereignty and cultural humility for staff. It has also developed a tribal handbook for public health staff on sovereignty, cultural trauma, and the roles of IHS and TECs. Identifying Tribal Affiliation within Datasets and Tribal Public Health Priorities ADHS conducted a data assessment to identify instances in which data sharing was active and ongoing between ADHS and tribal nations, and instances in which it had expired. A notable technical challenge was identifying tribal members within existing datasets, as many public health datasets are incomplete (e.g., do not include tribal affiliation) or rely on IT systems that are unable to aggregate data appropriately—making it difficult to ensure tribal authorities receive relevant, comprehensive public health data for their communities. In addition, because each tribal nation’s public health priority areas and data needs could differ from the data that state health information systems collect, sharing relevant data with tribal nations can be challenging. ADHS is working with each nation to identify tribal public health priority areas, find solutions to identify tribal data within state collected datasets, and share it with the respective nations. Ken Komatsu - Brief - AZ DHS Pursues Policies to Advance Data Sharing with Tribal Nations Honoring Sovereignty in Data Sharing Relationships Data sharing agreements with public health agencies often establish that the state agency controls the disposition and use of the data, and that each party benefits. Acknowledging that tribal partners are entitled to their citizens’ data without conditions differs from how ADHS has historically approached data-sharing relationships with others. ADHS plans to formally establish a non-transactional data sharing policy with tribal public health partners, and establish data sharing agreements that align with this approach going forward. Implementation Considerations Considerations for state health agencies in fostering strong relationships and effective engagement with tribal partners around data-sharing efforts include: Center tribal sovereignty when framing data sharing agreements with tribal nations. Engage tribal liaisons in data-sharing efforts with tribal nations. They maintain close relationships with tribes and can help develop mutual cultural understanding, which is essential to engaging tribal partners. Assess datasets to determine data completeness with regards to tribal affiliation and identify opportunities to improve comprehensive data sharing with tribal authorities. Invest in state health agency staff training on tribal sovereignty and cultural humility, so staff can be well-prepared when engaging in data sharing conversations with tribal partners. Gerilene Haskon - Brief - AZ DHS Pursues Policies to Advance Data Sharing with Tribal Nations OT18-1802 website yes
ASTHO staff identified a range of evidence-supported policies considered by state legislatures that could prevent ACEs. This report synthesizes these research and policy proposals and is intended for public health practitioners and policymakers who are considering adopting similar policies.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to using a Health in All Policies (HiAP) strategy to address lead poisoning prevention. ASTHO held key informant interviews with staff from four state health agencies to learn more about their state childhood lead poisoning prevention programs and better understand how each agency employs a HiAP approach in its programmatic work. The key themes pulled from the discussions can be found in this report.
Policy Trends Shaping Access to Care in 2026 Policy Trends Shaping Access to Care in 2026 Learn about policy trends shaping access to care in 2026, including supporting community health workers and improving rural health care. Public health agencies have a role in supporting access to care, which means assuring timely access to covered health care services provided by a qualified workforce. However, many communities experience challenges in accessing health care services, providers, facilities, or affordable care. Gaps in access to services that prevent chronic disease, address maternal health and behavioral health challenges, and other health goals undermine public health’s ability to improve community health. Strategies to improve access to care can include focused attention on underserved or at-risk communities or populations, including rural populations. To support access to comprehensive health care services, state legislatures continue to explore laws that strengthen clinical and community-based health workforces, support rural health care facilities, and promote access to care across the lifespan, including for women. Access to Supportive and Community-Based Health Services Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who serve as a link between health and social services and the community, and can help address the social and behavioral health drivers of health outcomes. Many jurisdictions pursued policies to support CHWs by defining the workforce, establishing training or certification programs, and pursuing financial sustainability including through Medicaid programs. In 2025, more than a dozen states considered legislation related to CHWs, with several states enacting laws that recognize CHWs as providers and/or authorize Medicaid coverage and reimbursement. This includes Arkansas HB 1258, which establishes a state certification for CHWs, defines their role, and requires compensation for certified CHW services from both Medicaid and certain regulated health plans in the state. Montana (HB 850) and Oklahoma (SB 424) enacted bills to regulate CHWs but both bills were vetoed by their respective governors. In Oklahoma, the legislature overrode the veto. Rhode Island (S 0705) considered legislation that would require regulated health plans to cover CHW services, and Virginia enacted SB 981 which requires the health department to report on the status of the CHW workforce and future needs. Doulas are non-medical professionals who support individuals during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Doula care has been shown to reduce the rate of both cesarean sections and postpartum anxiety or depression, and may be cost effective, particularly for Medicaid programs. A majority of states are either pursuing or already offering doula coverage in their Medicaid programs. At least fourteen jurisdictions considered legislation in 2025 to recognize or provide coverage of doula services by Medicaid programs or private insurance. At least six states enacted laws regarding Medicaid coverage of doulas, including Louisiana (HB 454), Montana (SB 319), Utah (SB 284), and Vermont (S 53). In Maine, LD 1523 directs the health department to begin the rate development process for future coverage of doula services, establish a doula council to support that process and provide other advice to the department, and issue a report on the overall progress by February 2027. Arkansas (HB 1252) established a scope of practice for certified community-based doulas and requires compensation by both the Medicaid program and other health benefit plans in the state. Stabilizing and Growing Rural Health Care Access Rural communities face a number of health care challenges, including limited health care providers and financial strain on hospitals and other rural health care facilities. Several states explored strategic initiatives to support rural health care access, both broadly and for specific populations. California enacted SB 338 which establishes a virtual health hub to expand access to health services for farmworkers in rural communities. Iowa enacted HF 972, directing the health department to seek CMS approval for a hub-and-spoke model to support the state’s rural health providers. Finally, Texas enacted HB 18 which creates a rural hospital officers academy to support the education and development of these leaders, includes additional financial support for rural hospitals with obstetrics and gynecology services, and codifies current state programs and offices supporting rural hospitals. More than a third of U.S. counties are considered maternal care deserts, which are places where there are no obstetric providers or facilities. Several states enacted legislation to expand access to pregnancy and maternal health care in rural and underserved areas, including California which enacted SB 669 to create a pilot program for five rural hospitals to provide perinatal services on a standby basis. Arizona (HB 2332) will establish an advisory committee to make recommendations that will ensure the availability of “obstetrics, gynecology and maternal mental health services in low-volume, high-risk rural communities.” And in Connecticut, the governor signed several bills aimed at increasing access to maternal health care, including HB 7102 which requires the development of a strategic plan to increase the number of obstetric facilities in underserved areas of the state. Leg Prospectus-2026 - Access - Rural Health Expanding Support for Mid-Life Women's Health Care Women may experience a number of disruptive symptoms during perimenopause — the transition period before menopause — including difficulty sleeping, memory lapses, hot flashes, and general pain and discomfort. Following menopause, low hormone levels can increase the risk of chronic diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke. Lack of knowledge about menopause and its wide range of symptoms, along with stigma, can prevent women from seeking treatment or other supports. Recognizing a growing need to address women's health across the entire lifespan, not just the reproductive years, state legislatures are exploring laws that address the menopause transition and its impacts through education and tailored health care access. In 2025, several jurisdictions — including Texas (HB 3961), Arizona (HB 2734), and Connecticut (AB 6593) — considered legislation directing the development, coordination, or distribution of educational programs and resources on menopause or perimenopause for women or providers, with Maine (LD 1079) enacting a measure requiring the health department to work to create and disseminate informational materials on perimenopause and menopause. Several other states have explored insurance coverage requirements, including New Jersey (A 5278/S 4148) and New York (A 5444) that would require certain health insurers and plans to cover menopausal and perimenopausal care and treatment. California (AB 432) would have required prescription coverage of drugs relevant to perimenopause and menopause care and treatment, and incentivize menopause-specific education for physicians, but the governor vetoed the bill and called for the state health and human services agency to propose policy changes for next year’s budget that address concerns about cost. Looking Ahead ASTHO expects states and territories to continue considering policies related to access to care, including legislation that: Increases coverage of and access to community-based health professionals like doulas, CHWs, and peer support specialists. Improves access to over-the-counter contraception. Recognizes telehealth's role in the health care system to ensure continued access to remote health care, particularly in rural communities. Supports access to reproductive care and women’s health services across the lifespan, including additional funding or other flexibilities to address anticipated changes in the federal funding landscape (e.g., Title X). OE22-2203 PHIG article yes
This episode will focus on the burden of seasonal and pandemic flu, and highlight key planning activities and strategies that federal, state, and local public health agencies are doing to combat flu and keep communities healthy.
ASTHO, with support from HRSA, is hosting a webinar to explore federal priorities related to rural healthcare access, as well as highlight a successful model to ensure rural patients can access hospital services. The webinar will focus on the implementation and successes of the AZ REACH program, which serves as a patient transfer system that can be quickly mobilized during a variety of public health events. The webinar will also include discussion with the HRSA Federal Office of Rural Health Policy and CDC Office of Rural Health.
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
This blog post discusses mitigating risks of AI use in government agencies, emphasizing privacy, transparency, and ethical concerns.
Learn how state health and transportation agencies are partnering to improve physical access to healthcare.