LPHI’s Division of Policy Development conducts policy research, translation and dissemination of information on a variety of health topics to assist legislative bodies and organizations in developing evidence-based policies designed to improve community health.

As a complement to LPHI's programmatic work, LPHI coordinates the research, translation and dissemination of information on relevant health policy topics.

One key example of LPHI’s policy efforts is The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living’s work centering on tobacco-related health issues. Informed by policy efforts around the country, TFL managed a statewide information campaign focused on the dangers of second-hand smoke and the benefits of limiting exposure to it. As a result, in 2006, the Louisiana Legislature passed a statewide clean indoor air act that requires all but a few public places to be 100 percent smoke-free.

Another example is LPHI’s support of the Louisiana health care redesign efforts. Specifically, LPHI has been an active participant in many of the health recovery policy discussions of formal workgroups and committees dating back to the first months after Katrina.

For LPHI’s efforts in dedicated health policy activities, the Institute serves as an active member of the State Health Policy Forum National User’s Group, which fosters state institutes’ capacity to provide policy research and development. In addition, the LPHI Director of Policy and Program Planning serves as a member of the National Academy of State Health Policy, a well-respected body for non-partisan state health policy research and support.

Additionally, members of LPHI sit on the Louisiana Task Force for the Working Uninsured and on the Advisory Committee of the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals’ State Planning Grant for the Uninsured.