Dates of Project: February 2011 to April 2012
Field of Work: Accreditation of public health agencies
Problem Synopsis: Government agencies may now apply for accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board. Many states already have legal, regulatory, and other mandates in place that may help agencies satisfy the prerequisites for approval.
Synopsis of the Work: A research team working under the auspices of the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials surveyed the legal landscape and interviewed state officials in all 50 states regarding laws and policies that could help agencies move toward accreditation.
Key Findings: Among the key findings of this project are the following:
The 50 states have some 360 laws, regulations, executive orders, policy decisions, and performance contracts requiring public health agencies to complete one or more prerequisites for accreditation.
Common barriers to progress in completing the prerequisites for accreditation included limited financial and staff resources, a need for training and education, and funding and program silos that prevent cross-cutting work.
Find mandates in your state that will help you win accreditation, at www.publichealthalliance.org/chachipresearch.