State STD Policy Trends and the Role of Health Department Public Employees in Shaping Policy

Background: Many public employees report that they do not possess a thorough understanding of how to impact STD policies while in the employ of state and local governments.

Objectives: To describe state STD policy trends across the US and to develop strategies with public employees for impacting STD policy in their states. 

Methods: This presentation will examine several immerging STD policy issues and their potential impact. Policy issues to be covered will include, but are not limited to, expedited partner therapy, internet partner services and public/private health insurance billing by STD/public health centers. The presentation will also highlight several strategies utilized by health department public employees across the US to shape STD policy.   

Results: Public health department pubic employees in New York State, South Carolina and Idaho have developed strategies to impact STD policy regarding public/private billing, internet partner services and expedited partner therapy, respectively. While these three states are at different stages of implementing their strategies, they have been highly successful from both and process and outcome perspective. Their work can be used as a template for other states seeking to engage in similar work.

Conclusions: Several public employees in multiple health departments are currently working to influence STD policy in their states. Public employee participation in the legislative process is both feasible and highly successful.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: Public employees are an integral catalyst for state STD policy change.