Missouri Takes Strategic Steps to Improve Policy Processes

January 06, 2025 | Colton Anderson

Why Strong Administrative Policies Matter

For public health agencies, effective administrative policies are essential. They set clear expectations, support fair decision-making, and help agencies deliver consistent, high-quality services to the communities they serve. Recognizing this, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MO DHSS) partnered with ASTHO to improve its policy development and review process.

ASTHO’s Role in Supporting Policy Improvements

ASTHO provides tools and practical support to help public health agencies improve their internal policy processes. In 2023 – 2024, ASTHO launched a technical assistance program to help public health agencies enhance their administrative policy frameworks. This program, funded by the Public Health Infrastructure Grant, offered tailored support—including coaching sessions, resources, and on-site visits—aimed at giving agencies practical tools and guidance for a more efficient policy structure. ASTHO’s Guide on Conducting a Policy Assessment and Gap Analysis played a central role in this initiative, helping agencies learn about best practices, identify policy gaps, and prioritize areas needing attention.

For MO DHSS, ASTHO’s support led to the creation of a policy review committee representing all divisions within the department. This structure promotes a more collaborative approach to policy development, ensuring that different perspectives within the agency are considered. MO DHSS’ Health Planning Coordinator Ashlyn Sherman said, “This work goes beyond preparing for reaccreditation cycles; it’s about embedding a continuous improvement mindset across MO DHSS.”

Missouri’s On-Site Visit

An on-site visit was a key component of Missouri’s technical assistance collaboration with ASTHO. Thanks to the thoughtful preparation by the MO DHSS team and funding support from the Public Health Infrastructure Grant, ASTHO facilitated a two-day visit to help Missouri improve their policy development process. During this visit, Missouri relaunched a policy review committee, established new by-laws, and used ASTHO’s policy and gap analysis tool to create an overview of existing and required administrative policies that guide the agency’s operations.

Key Goals of ASTHO’s Technical Assistance Opportunity

ASTHO designed this technical assistance opportunity with a few key goals in mind:

• Build capacity within public health agencies to systematically develop, review, and update critical policies.
• Encourage the use of quality improvement principles in policymaking.
• Provide tools for assessing policies and identifying gaps. Foster a community of agencies sharing best practices and lessons learned.

How Other Health Agencies Are Advancing Policy Efforts

MO DHSS isn’t the only one benefiting from ASTHO’s resources. Other public health agencies have also leveraged ASTHO’s support to rethink their policy development and review processes. For example, one health agency noted that ASTHO’s external perspective helped them re-launch and organize their approach with a fresh, structured strategy. Another agency received technical assistance in updating a process map and policy review team charter. All health agencies agree that the impartial facilitation and project management support from ASTHO helped them implement a more cohesive, comprehensive policy process that aligns with their organizational goals.

To support these efforts, public health agencies are exploring additional areas for improving their policy processes, including establishing compliance units and incorporating AI into policy development. Recognizing the need for shared resources, ASTHO is building a library of administrative policy examples from public health agencies willing to share their work. This growing resource allows agencies to learn from each other, adapt successful policies, and reduce the time spent on creating new frameworks.

Learn More and Take the Next Step

If your public health agency is interested in improving its administrative policy process, explore ASTHO’s STAR Center or consider submitting a Public Health Infrastructure Virtual Engagement request to see how ASTHO’s programs might support your efforts. With ASTHO’s guidance and tools, public health agencies can take practical steps toward building a streamlined, effective policy process that supports their mission and the communities they serve.

For more information, visit the ASTHO STAR Center.