1.3 Standards And Guidance

The standards and guidance in this document describe the core elements that are essential for success in planning, implementing, and evaluating a PCM program. They are provided to assist program planners in enhancing their PCM programs and state and local health department personnel who are funding PCM programs. Agencies receiving CDC funds to support PCM program(s) should follow the standards and guidance contained within this document. Agency staff interested in diverting from this guidance should first seek the advice of their state or local health department or CDC project officer. Organizations using funds other than CDC monies to support PCM activities should consider using this document as a guide.

The two levels of recommendations this document provides are as follows:

Standards Specific standards are provided in several sections (boxed text). These standards are intended to be consistently applied to the delivery of PCM services. They must be followed in virtually all cases. Appendix B provides a comprehensive listing of all PCM standards.

Guidance The main text of this document provides overall program guidance in developing, implementing, and evaluating PCM programs. The overall guidance is intended to be more flexible and should be followed in most cases. CDC recognizes that, depending on the client population, setting, and other factors, the overall guidance can and should be tailored to fit individual program needs.

Go to 1.4 Goals of PCM