Accreditation

In order to improve the health of the public, the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) has developed a national voluntary accreditation program for state, local, territorial and tribal public health departments.  Officially launched in September 2011, the goal of the accreditation program is improve and protect the health of every community by advancing the quality and performance of public health departments.

10 Essential Public Health Services

The 10 Essential Public Health Services provide a guiding framework for the responsibilities of local public health systems and the basis of accreditation standards.  The Essential Public Health Services are listed below.

1. Monitor health status to identify and solve community health problems.
2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community.
3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues.
4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems.
5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts.
6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
8. Assure competent public and personal health care workforce.
9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services.
10. Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems.

Preparing for Accreditation

Local health departments can demonstrate excellence to their communities by preparing for accreditation now.  Accreditation materials can be accessed by clicking here.