The Role of Governance in Public Health Accreditation [Insert your name and title] [Insert LHD]

The Role of Governance in Public Health Accreditation

[Insert your name and title]

[Insert LHD]

Objectives

• Understand the definition of accreditation and its importance in public health

• Articulate the role of governing entities in accreditation

• Define and understand the purpose of the Public Health Accreditation Board

• Discuss the benefits of accreditation

• Dispel common myths about accreditation

• Accreditation is a status that provides public notification that an institution,

agency, or program meets standards of quality set forth by an accrediting

agency. – American Psychological Association definition of accreditation

• Accreditation in other industries

– Health care

– Insurance

– Education

– Child and family service agencies

– Law enforcement agencies

– Public safety agencies

Overview of Accreditation

Why do we need public health accreditation?

Why do we need public health accreditation?

•Too much variance from

one health department to

another

• Lack of comprehensive

standards

• No common benchmarks

to measure performance

Responsibility of a Local Governing Entity (LGE)

• Promote and protect the health of your

constituents

• Provide the oversight and support to the local

health department (LHD)

• Advocate for public health

• Provide a link to the community

Governing LGE

General Roles

Establish local ordinances and regulations

related to public health:•Communicable disease•Sanitation & sewage treatment•Tattooing & body piercing establishments•Second-hand smoke exposure•Food & drink stands

Roles in Accreditation

• Accreditation standards focused on governing

boards and health department administration.

Work with us to meet these standards!

• Share information

Policy-Making LGE

General Roles

• Hire and fire the chief executive or health officer

• Approve health department budgets and expenditures

• Impose fees for services, permits, and licenses

Roles in Accreditation

• Budget for costs of accreditation

Advisory LGE

General Roles

• Report to Health Officer and/or local governing authority, who then establishes policies,

programs, and budgets

• Hold public hearings and communicate community concerns with the Health Officer

• Serve as appeals board for the decisions of the Health Officer

• Report to and advise the health officer on the implementation of core functions,

essential public health services and emerging health threats

Roles in Accreditation

• Learn about public health programs and services offered in your community

• Discuss accreditation with your LHO on an ongoing basis

Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)

Improve and protect the health of the

public by advancing the quality and

performance of all health departments

in the country.

What is the vision of PHAB?

A high-performing governmental public health system that will make the United States a healthier nation

When can we earn accreditation?

PHAB will begin accepting applications in 2011.

What is the cost of program?

Fees have not yet been established for accreditation. Additional costs for accreditation preparation include

intensive preparation including time, staff, materials, and other resources.

How long does an agency remain accredited?

Once accredited, health departments maintain this status for 5 years.

Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)

What are the benefits of accreditation?

• Accountability and credibility

• Leverage for funding

• Visibility

• Continuous improvement

• Increased efficiency and effectiveness

Mythbusters

Myth 1: Accreditation is out of my reach

Myth 2: The accreditation process is just a rubber stamp

Myth 3: Accreditation is not a wise investment in time

Myth 4: Accreditation is mandatory

Additional Roles in Accreditation

• Sign a letter of support

• Place public health programs and services high on your priority list

• Support your LHD in its efforts to become or remain accredited

• Participate in your LHD’s on-site review visit

• Read the on-site review report describing the results of the

accreditation process

• Celebrate the success of your LHD’s accomplishment when it

receives accreditation

Lets Get on Board!!

PHAB aims to have 60% of the U.S. population served by an accredited agency by the year 2015.

Additional Resources

• Your Local Health Officer• [Insert Health Officer Contact Information]

• National Association for Local Boards of Health (NALBOH)• www.nalboh.org

• NALBOH’s State Statutes Database• http://www.nalboh.org/BOH_search.aspx

• Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)• www.phaboard.org

•National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO)• www.naccho.org

THANK YOU!!

[Insert your contact information on this slide.]