In a report to go before the board this week, chief executive Brian Rousseau said it appeared the policy was "not welcomed by many Public Health South staff", but he was not suggesting any changes to it.
The policy decrees that public health officials and other staff must not go beyond stating the pros and cons of health and disability impacts of any issue when making submissions.
Staff who want to support or oppose a proposal need board approval.
The policy followed the board discovering through the Otago Daily Times that Public Health South had opposed the $20 million motorsport park in Cromwell during a planning hearing last year.
While the rationale had been explained, Mr Rousseau said he remained concerned these staff did not understand it and genuinely believed it would affect their ability to do their jobs.
These staff did an excellent job in dealing with matters impacting on public health and in improving public health and reducing health risks, he said.
He planned to meet staff soon to address their concerns.
While Public Health South staff have not commented publicly about the policy, which was introduced in November, the board policy has been criticised by some outside health professionals. Research assistant Prof Brian Cox described it as a gross interference in the legally recognised practice of public health medicine.
Mr Rousseau's report to the board follows a discussion paper from chairman Richard Thomson in February, which sought responses from staff on the policy.
Mr Rousseau said three responses were received to the discussion document, one being a group response.
One supported the policy position.
Two respondents had also spoken to him about their submission.
No new matters had been raised that would indicate the policy should be amended in any way or repealed, Mr Rousseau said.
Of the 191 submissions made by Public Health South on Resource Management Act applications in two years, 83% took no position.
