Public Health Authority Toolkit
February 13, 2024
Public health agencies are responsible for protecting and promoting the health of the public within a specific jurisdiction. State and territorial health officials are granted legal authorities to prevent and mitigate the spread of infectious disease and other health threats. These mechanisms are available in day-to-day operations to prevent, detect, and contain health threats in the community, and in the event of a declared disaster or public health emergency.
ASTHO developed this toolkit to support governmental public health officials and ASTHO alumni, and to provide an understanding of state and territorial public health’s legal responsibility and authority in an acute or declared public health emergency. This toolkit includes evidence-based resources, examples of legislative testimony, and other resources to assist state and territorial health officials and educate the public and policymakers.