Frequently Asked Questions for NPHPSP
What is the National Public Health Performance Standards
Program
(NPHPSP)?
What are the mission and goals of the NPHPSP?
Who is part of the NPHPSP partnership? Who developed
the
standards?
What instruments are provided within the NPHPSP?
Where were the NPHPSP instruments tested?
What concepts or principles were used in developing
the NPHPSP
instruments?
What are the Essential Public Health Services?
How will the information obtained from implementing
the
NPHPSP be used?
What is the value of using the NPHPSP?
What is the public health system?
What is the role of the public health agency within
the
public health system?
Can the NPHPSP be used to evaluate or assess public
health agencies, programs, or organizations?
How do I access the NPHPSP instruments?
What do the NPHPSP instruments look like?
How do systems or governing entities get started
in using
the NPHPSP?
Once we have made a commitment to undertake the
process,
what are the steps?
How do we submit our assessment
data?
Once we have submitted our data, what will we receive
back ?
When can we expect our data and summary reports
to be
returned to us?
What aggregate information will be available to
states that are
implementing a coordinated statewide approach?
How often should the NPHPSP assessment process be
conducted?
What technical assistance resources are available
for
NPHPSP users?
What types of direct training or orientation support
can be provided to
NPHPSP users?
Is the NPHPSP connected to BT and emergency preparedness
and
response activities?
What is MAPP and how does it relate to the NPHPSP?
How does the NPHPSP fit with accreditation efforts?
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What is the National
Public Health Performance Standards Program (NPHPSP)?
The NPHPSP is supported through a partnership
of national public health organizations that have
worked collaboratively to establish national performance
standards. The standards identify the optimal level
of performance for state and local public health
systems (all organizations that contribute to public
health in a given area) and governing bodies. The
NPHPSP seeks to ensure that strong effective public
health systems are in place to deliver essential
public health services.
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What are
the mission and goals of the NPHPSP?
 To
improve the quality of public health practice and
the performance of public health systems by:
- Providing performance standards for public
health systems and encouraging their widespread
use;
- Engaging and leveraging national, state,
and local partnerships to build a stronger foundation
for public health preparedness;
- Promoting continuous quality improvement
of public health systems; and
- Strengthening the science base for public
health practice improvement.
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Who is part of
the NPHPSP partnership? Who developed the standards?
The development, oversight and implementation
of the NPHPSP are collaborative efforts of seven
national partners:
These partners represent the organizations and individuals
who use the assessment instruments. Through working
groups and field test sites, hundreds of representatives
from these organizations were involved in developing,
reviewing, testing, and refining the assessment
instruments. Their feedback assured that the final
NPHPSP instruments are practice-oriented and user-friendly.
Representatives from other organizations, such as
academic partners from the Association of Schools
of Public Health and experts from the Council of
State and Territorial Epidemiologists, also helped
in developing the instruments.
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What instruments
are provided within the NPHPSP?
 The
NPHPSP includes a set of three instruments:
- The
State Public Health System Performance Assessment
Instrument (State Instrument) focuses on
the state public health system, which includes
state public health agencies and other partners
that contribute to public health services at
the state level.
- The
Local Public Health System Performance Assessment
Instrument (Local Instrument) focuses on
the local public health system or all entities
that contribute to public health within a community.
This system includes all public, private, and
voluntary entities, as well as individuals and
informal associations.
- The
Local Public Health Governance Performance Assessment
Instrument (Governance Instrument) focuses
on the governing body ultimately accountable
for public health at the local level. Such governing
bodies may include boards of health or county
commissioners.
Each instrument lays out standards that public
health systems or governing entities should strive
to achieve. For each standard, there are questions
to which users respond in determining how well they
meet that standard. The NPHPSP instruments, supporting
documents, and other technical assistance materials
are located at
www.cdc.gov/od/ocphp/nphpsp/.
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Where were the
NPHPSP instruments tested?
The instruments were reviewed and/or tested in hundreds
of state and local jurisdictions. The table below
indicates involvement in the testing process. States
are listed in chronological order of their participation
in testing the instruments.
|
State
|
State
Instrument |
Local
Instrument |
Governance
Instrument |
|
Texas |
No |
61 |
No |
|
Florida |
Yes |
67 |
No |
|
Ohio |
No |
11 |
No |
|
Missouri |
Yes |
50 |
No |
|
Minnesota |
Yes |
55 |
Yes |
|
Mississippi |
Yes |
81 |
Yes* |
|
Hawaii |
Yes |
8 |
No |
|
New York |
No |
57 |
No |
|
Massachusetts |
No |
No |
5 |
|
1 Also tested in selected sites
in other states (MI, MD)
2 State level only.
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What concepts
or principles were used in developing the NPHPSP
instruments?
 These
four concepts helped to frame the NPHPSP instruments
into their current format:
- They are
designed around the ten Essential Public Health
Services. These ten activities describe
the full range of public health responsibilities.
The Essential Services provide a framework to
describe and examine the breadth of public health
practice, performance, and infrastructure capability
needed within both the state and local public
health systems.
- The standards focus on the overall public
health system, rather than a single organization.
A public health system includes all public,
private, and voluntary entities that contribute
to public health activities within a given area.
By focusing on the public health system, the
contributions of all entities are recognized
in assessing the provision of Essential Services.
Entities within a public health system can include
hospitals, physicians, managed care organizations,
environmental agencies, social service and community-based
organizations, educational and religious institutions
and many others. All play a role in working
to improve the public’s health.
- The standards describe an optimal level
of performance, rrather than provide minimum
expectations. This assures that the standards
can be used for continuous quality improvement.
The standards will stimulate performance and
infrastructure improvement in public health
systems.
- The standards are explicitly intended to
support a process of quality improvement.
System partners should use the assessment process
and results as a guide for learning about public
health activities throughout the system and
determining how to improve services. The standards
can also be used to advocate for improvements
to better serve populations within a public
health system.
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What are the
Essential Public Health Services?
 The
Essential Public Health Services were developed
in 1994 by the Public Health Functions Steering
Committee as a method for better identifying and
describing the core processes used in public health
to promote health and prevent disease. The Steering
Committee developed the Public Health in America
statement, which outlines those actions that must
be undertaken to fulfill the vision, mission, and
purpose of public health. The Essential Services
are set forth as part of the overall Public Health
in America statement.
The Essential Services are:
- Monitor health status to identify community
health problems.
- Diagnose and investigate health problems
and health hazards in the community.
- Inform, educate, and empower people about
health issues.
- Mobilize community partnerships to identify
and solve health problems.
- Develop policies and plans that support
individual and community health efforts.
- Enforce laws and regulations that protect
health and ensure safety.
- Link people to needed personal health services
and assure the provision of health care when
otherwise unavailable.
- Assure a competent public health and personal
healthcare workforce.
- Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and
quality of personal and population-based health
services.
- Research for new insights and innovative
solutions to health problems.
A more complete description of the activities
associated with each Essential Service is presented
in the performance standards found in each of the
assessment instruments and can also be found at:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/ocphp/nphpsp/EssentialPHServices.htm.
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How will the
information obtained from implementing the NPHPSP
be used?
First, the instruments are intended to be used
by public health systems and governing entities
to assess current activities and identify areas
and methods for continuous quality improvement.
The standards can aid state and local health officials
in conducting a comprehensive assessment of public
health practice (e.g., to answer, "What public
health activities are we doing well or not doing
well in our community or in our state? How can we
improve?").
Second, the NPHPSP provides federal agencies and
national organizations with a better understanding
of the public health capacities and activities in
local and state jurisdictions across the nation.
Results obtained from completing the NPHPSP instruments
can provide a national profile of preparedness and
data identifying where the nation’s public health
infrastructure needs to be strengthened. These findings
help local, state, and national policymakers make
better and more effective policy and resource decisions
that will improve the nation’s public health as
a whole.
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What is the value
of using the NPHPSP?
 The
NPHPSP provides valuable guidance for policy and
public health leaders. The standards describe the
optimal levels of capacity and performance needed
to effectively deliver the Essential Services, which
are the underlying practices needed to conduct any
public health action. Through the NPHPSP assessment
process, state and local public health systems and
governing bodies identify capacity and performance
strengths and weaknesses and develop plans to make
desired system improvements.
By creating stronger
public health systems, the NPHPSP also will help
to improve the capacity of public health systems
to deal with emergency preparedness and response
issues. To effectively improve emergency preparedness
and response, day-to-day public health capabilities
must be strong in order to assist in identifying
emergency situations and to provide the needed surge
capacity of public health personnel and resources
during times of emergency response.
Other typical but important benefits that have
been reported by those who have used the NPHPSP
are:
- Improves organizational and community
communication and collaboration, by bringing
partners to the same table.
- Educates participants about public health
and the interconnectedness of activities,
which can lead to a higher appreciation and
awareness of the many activities related to
improving the public’s health.
- Builds and strengthens the diverse network
of partners within state and local public
health systems, which can lead to more cohesion
among partners, better coordination of activities
and resources, and less duplication of services.
- Identifies strengths and weaknesses
that can be addressed in quality improvement
efforts.
- Provides a benchmark for public health
practice improvements, by providing a “gold
standard” to which public health systems can
aspire.
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What is the
public health system?
 Public
health systems are commonly defined as “all public,
private, and voluntary entities that contribute
to the delivery of essential public health services
within a jurisdiction.” These systems are a network
of entities with differing roles, relationships,
and interactions. All of the entities within a public
health system contribute to the health and well-being
of the community or state.
Some of the organizations and sectors that are involved
in the public health system – either at the state
or local level – include:
- Public health agencies – state or
local health departments, which serve as the
governmental entity for public health and play
a major role in creating and ensuring the existence
of a strong public health system.
- Healthcare providers – hospitals,
physicians, community health centers, mental
health organizations, laboratories, and nursing
homes, which provide preventive, curative, and
rehabilitative care.
- Public safety agencies – police,
fire and emergency medical services, which are
often focused on preventing and coping with
injury and other emergency health-related situations.
- Human service and charity organizations
– food banks, public assistance agencies, and
transportation providers that facilitate access
to healthcare and receipt of other health-enhancing
services.
- Education and youth development organizations
– schools, faith institutions, youth centers,
and other groups that assist with informing,
educating, and preparing children to make informed
decisions and act responsively regarding health
and other life choices and to be productive
contributors to society.
- Recreation and arts-related organizations
– parks and recreation departments, community
cultural centers, and other groups that contribute
to the physical and mental well-being of the
community and those that live, work and play
in it.
- Economic and philanthropic organizations
– employers, community development organizations,
zoning boards, United Way, and community and
business foundations that provide resources
necessary for individuals and organizations
to survive and thrive in the community.
- Environmental agencies or organizations
– air and water quality authorities, greenspace
coalitions, and other groups which contribute
to, enforce laws related to, or advocate for
a healthy environment.
The concept of the public health system assures
that the contributions of all entities are recognized
in assessing the provision of public health services.
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What is the
role of the public health agency within the public
health system?
The governmental public health agency – both
at the state and local levels – is a major contributor
and leader in the public health system, but these
governmental agencies cannot provide the full spectrum
of Essential Services alone. However, the public
health agency plays a critical role in creating
and assuring the existence and quality of a comprehensive
public health system. As such, the governmental
public health agency is often the leader and convener
in conducting the NPHPSP process.
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Can the NPHPSP
be used to evaluate or assess public health agencies,
programs, or organizations?
The NPHPSP is not intended to serve as an evaluation
of program or agency performance or capacity. It
is an assessment of overall system performance and
how current performance and capacity measure up
against optimal benchmarks. NPHPSP results represent
the collective performance of all organizational
participants in the public health system and should
not be interpreted to reflect any single agency,
organization, or program. State and local public
health systems should use the information as a planning
tool for quality improvement.
The local public health governance instrument is
unique in that it focuses on the governing body
ultimately accountable for public health at the
local level. Examples of governing bodies include
local boards of health, county councils, or commissions.
A governing body has legal authority over the primary
governmental public health agency within the local
public health system, usually defined as the health
department.
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How do I access
the NPHPSP instruments?
 The
NPHPSP instruments and all supporting materials
can be found on the CDC website at
www.cdc.gov/od/ocphp/nphpsp.
There are several resources available:
- Full downloadable instruments – The
complete instruments are available for download
in a PDF format using Adobe Acrobat. Use the
PDF file to review the standards and plan how
the instrument will be used within your public
health system or governing body.
- A binder with the full set of instruments
and glossary – copies of this binder (in
limited quantities) are available for free from
CDC.
- Model standards only document – documents
that simply provide the model standards (and
do not include all of the measurement questions)
are available for download from the CDC website.
- Set of posters – three posters summarizing
the key points of model standards found in each
instrument are available on request from CDC.
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What do the
NPHPSP instruments look like?
Each of the instruments shares the same format.
The 10 Essential Public Health Services provide
the framework for the instruments, so there are
10 sections or “chapters” – one for each Essential
Service. Then, each Essential Service section is
divided into several indicators, which are essentially
titles for the subsections of each Essential Service.
The indicators identify major components, activities,
or practice areas of the Essential Service. Associated
with each indicator are model standards (written
in paragraph and bullet format) that describe aspects
of optimal performance. Each model standard is followed
by a series of assessment questions that serve as
measures of performance. Each assessment
question / measure is associated with four different
response options (yes, high partial, low partial
and no), which the public health system or governing
entity uses to determine its level of performance.
The State and Local Instruments also include two
summary questions at the end of each indicator
section. Respondents are asked to think about the
model standard as a whole and use a four-point scale
to assess the percentage of the model standard that:
- Is achieved by the public health system
collectively, and
- Is the direct contribution of the public
health agency.
Further information about the instruments – including
elaboration on the similarities and differences
between the three different instruments – can be
found in the NPHPSP User Guide.
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How do
systems or governing entities get started in using
the NPHPSP?
First, notify the NPHPSP staff at CDC of your
interest or commitment to the process. This will
allow us to assist you throughout the entire process,
as well as alert you to any connections with other
NPHPSP users that can be made in your state or region.
NPHPSP staff can be contacted at 1-800-747-7649
or by email at phpsp@cdc.gov.
 In
making the decision to undertake the NPHPSP assessment,
entities should become familiar with the assessment
instruments, determine what organization(s) can
serve as the lead entity, and establish the resources
and commitment needed to support the process. Additionally,
give careful consideration to how the NPHPSP assessment
process can link to concurrent or previous improvement
efforts. The User Guide, the assessment instruments
themselves, and other resources for getting started
in using the NPHPSP are available at
www.cdc.gov/od/ocphp/nphpsp/.
It is recommended, but not required, that state
and local public health systems and governing bodies
conduct a coordinated statewide assessment process
using all three NPHPSP instruments. The assessments
can be conducted more or less simultaneously. Through
such an approach, orientation and technical assistance
activities can be provided more effectively. In
addition, assessment results will provide a picture
of a consistent point in time for all respondents
throughout the state. Much can be learned from analyzing
the aggregate data and developing cross-cutting
improvement plans.
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Once we have
made a commitment to undertake the process, what
are the steps?
 After
the lead organization fully understands the NPHPSP
instrument and has identified a desire to initiate
the assessment, there are some key steps to undertake:
- Determine how the assessment will be
structured and facilitated – The lead organization
should structure the assessment meetings in
a way that will best meet the needs of their
participants. Many sites indicate that the State
and Local Instruments can take 1.5 – 2 hours
per Essential Service. The assessment can be
structured in a variety of ways, including “retreat”
style meetings that occur over 1-2 days, and
a series of meetings that occur over a longer
period of time.
- Identify and invite participants
– This involves generating a list of potential
assessment participants that includes representation
from throughout the public health system and
that encompasses a broad range of perspectives
and expertise. Use the examples of potential
system partners as listed on page 7 of this
document, or see the User Guide for a more detail
on identifying potential participants. The ideal
number of participants will vary depending upon
the type of assessment process selected. You
will want to strike a balance between a manageable
number of participants and a broadly representative
group. Once participants are identified, an
invitation should be extended from senior state,
local, or other lead organization leadership.
- Orient participants – Orientation
to the assessment instrument and process is
very important, and should include a brief overview
of the NPHPSP, the Essential Public Health Services,
and the concept of the “public health system.”
Most importantly, the orientation should cover
the purpose of completing the assessment within
the jurisdiction and a review of the process
that will be used to complete it. Ideally, participants
are provided with relevant materials prior to
their meeting(s), so that they are better prepared
to engage in discussion.
- Complete the assessment instrument
– While the assessment instrument can be completed
in a variety of group settings, it is essential
that participants have the opportunity to develop
a set of consensus responses to the instrument.
In the most often used approach for completing
the instrument, participants discuss each model
standard for a period of time after which participants
vote on the response to each question.
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How do we submit
our assessment data?
State and local jurisdictions can submit data to
the on-line NPHPSP data collection and reporting
system. To request a User ID and access to the system,
email a request to
nphpsp-support@phf.org
or call 202-212-4411. Please include the following
information: the instrument used (State, Local or
Governance), the name and address of your jurisdiction,
contact name and information.
For those that would like multiple User IDs or are
coordinating data submission for a statewide process,
please contact CDC staff or email PHF at
nphpsp-support@phf.org
to discuss details on how these requests can be
handled most smoothly.
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Once we have submitted
our data, what will we receive back?
The NPHPSP on-line system generates an automated
report for users. Sample reports are available on
the CDC website. The report includes:
- A narrative describing the NPHPSP, data
limitations, and suggestions for using the results
for quality improvement purposes.
- A variety of tables, charts, and graphs
that summarize and display the performance scores.
- Downloadable files with the raw responses
and scores.
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When can we
expect our data and summary reports to be returned
to us?
Completion of data entry is signaled through
use of a “survey fully completed” button on the
limited access data collection site. Once the data
are submitted, it will trigger an automated analysis
and reporting process. The resulting report will
be available for download from the limited-access
website within 48 hours after data are submitted.
On occasion, additional time may be required if
problems are identified in our quality assurance
review. Such problems may include incomplete data
submission or Internet and other hardware failures.
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What aggregate
information will be available to states that are
implementing a coordinated statewide approach?
If state and local public health systems and
governing entities conduct a coordinated assessment
process using more than one NPHPSP instrument, a
timeline should be identified for completing the
assessments and submitting data. For example, the
state and local participants may decide that all
Local Instrument responses should be submitted within
five months after an orientation or statewide kickoff
occurs. It is critical for all jurisdictions to
submit their data in a timely manner, so that the
aggregate numbers reflect those of the entire state.
Summary reports are generated with aggregate information
about all scores. Three summary reports are available:
- Statewide aggregate report for all responding
local public health systems
- Statewide aggregate report for all responding
governing entities
- Statewide aggregate report for all responding
local public health systems and the state public
health system
In addition to total aggregate scores, these reports
also can include aggregate information for subcategories
specified by the state, such as district or regional
categories.
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How often should
the NPHPSP assessment process be conducted?
Jurisdictions are encouraged to use the instruments
every few years (e.g., a three to five year cycle)
so that improvements and changes can be tracked
over time. This will allow time to establish and
implement systems improvement plans and address
capacity and performance issues.
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What technical
assistance resources are available for NPHPSP users?
-
NPHPSP Website – Go to
http://www.cdc.gov/od/ocphp/
nphpsp/ for a wide assortment of resources.
The Assessment Instruments (State, Local, and
Governance), Glossary, User Guide, and Frequently
Asked Questions documents are found at this
website. Also, the website includes a “Tool
Kit” section that includes a variety of resources
in the following four categories: general resources,
preparing for the assessment, conducting the
assessment, and facilitating post-assessment
performance improvement activities. The on-line
Tool Kit includes links to other resources as
well as sample materials from the field, such
as example agendas, invitation letters and performance
improvement plans.
- Technical Assistance – CDC and NPHPSP
partners are available for phone and email consultation
to states and localities as they plan for NPHPSP
implementation. Contact CDC by calling 1-800-747-7649
or by email at
phpsp@cdc.gov.
Contact information for other NPHPSP partner
organizations can be found at:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/ocphp/nphpsp/Partners.htm
- On-Site Training and Participation in
Statewide Events – CDC and NPHPSP partners
can provide training to states planning statewide
implementation of the NPHPSP instruments. Different
formats such as satellite videoconferencing,
regional meetings, and statewide orientation
conferences have been successfully utilized.
CDC and NPHPSP partners are available to work
with states to help them identify the method
best suited to their state, plan for the event,
and participate as guest speakers, facilitators,
or trainers.
- Annual Training Workshop – a two-day
workshop is held in the spring of each year.
The workshop is designed for new users of the
NPHPSP as well as users that are engaged in
performance improvement activities. It is particularly
useful for individuals responsible for coordinating
statewide performance standards assessment processes.
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What types of
direct training or orientation support can be provided
to NPHPSP users?
 State
and local public health systems should consider
implementing the performance assessment instruments
through a coordinated statewide approach. Using
the instruments simultaneously or during a synchronized
time period can create opportunities to coordinate
orientation activities, technical assistance, and
improvement planning at the state and local levels.
CDC and NPHPSP partners can provide on-site orientation
and training to states supporting statewide implementation
of the NPHPSP instruments. The logistics of the
training can be determined based on the needs of
the state. Different formats, such as in-state videoconferencing,
regional meetings, or a statewide orientation conference,
can be considered.
In addition, CDC and NPHPSP partners conduct an
annual training workshop. State and local health
department leadership and staff, board of health
members, public health institute representatives,
and others can receive comprehensive training about
the NPHPSP. In turn, these individuals will be prepared
to provide training to colleagues or can serve as
the primary coordinator of an implementation effort.
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Is the NPHPSP
connected to BT and emergency preparedness and response
activities?
Yes, the NPHPSP is strongly connected with the
concepts of emergency preparedness and response.
- • First, the NPHPSP instruments, by helping
to improve public health infrastructure, will
create stronger public health systems that will
be better prepared to provide surge capacity
response and deal with emergency situations,
whether biological, chemical, natural, etc.
- Second, the instruments specifically address
some areas of emergency preparedness as basic
responsibilities of public health. For example,
under Essential Service #2 (the second section
of each instrument), the standards address activities
such as:
- Surveillance systems to assure identification
and surveillance of health threats and health
hazards;
- Development, maintenance, and testing
of emergency response plans;
- Investigation and response to public
health emergencies; and
- Laboratory support for investigation
of health threats.
- Other Essential Service sections also address
critical activities required for strong emergency
preparedness, such as mobilization of system
partners, public health workforce development,
and enforcement of laws and regulations.
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What is MAPP
and how does it relate to the NPHPSP?
 MAPP
is the acronym for Mobilizing for Action through
Planning and Partnerships. Developed by NACCHO and
CDC and released in February 2001, it is a web-based
tool designed to guide communities through a health
improvement process. To access this tool, go to
NACCHO’s website at www.naccho.org and click on
the link for “Programs and Activities.” Additionally,
a 24-page Field Guide provides a shorter overview
of MAPP and can be found in the publications section
of the NACCHO website.
The MAPP model guides system and community partners
through a strategic planning process that includes
a set of four assessments. The assessments allow
partners to develop a community health improvement
plan based on a diverse set of information:
- Community Themes and Strengths Assessment
- identifies issues that interest the community,
perceptions about quality of life, and community
assets.
- Community Health Status Assessment
- assesses data about health status, quality
of life, and risk factors in the community.
- Forces of Change Assessment - identifies
forces that are or may affect the community
or the local public health system.
- Local Public Health System Assessment
- measures the capacity and performance of the
local public health system - all organizations
and entities that contribute to the public's
health.
The tool used within this fourth assessment is the
NPHPSP Local Instrument. This assessment helps community
partners determine the system’s areas for improvement
which should be included as part of the overall
MAPP action plan. It also provides information about
system strengths and capacities, which will help
the community to determine its capability to accomplish
its health improvement plan.
Local public health systems should strongly consider
using the NPHPSP local instrument as part of a broader
MAPP process. MAPP provides the framework and process
for improving upon strengths and weaknesses and
therefore assures that the results of the performance
assessment are actively used. Also, because MAPP
includes three other assessments in addition to
the information collected in the local public health
system assessment, the community health improvement
plan truly addresses the gamut of strengths, weaknesses,
challenges and opportunities that exist in the community.
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How does the
NPHPSP fit with accreditation efforts?
The Institute of Medicine, in its 2003 report,
The Future of the Public’s Health in the 21st
Century, catalyzed interest in accreditation
by recommending the establishment of a national
commission to explore agency accreditation. The
IOM further stated the need to build off of current
initiatives and particularly noted the promise of
the NPHPSP. The IOM states, “This (accreditation)
commission should focus on the development of a
system that will further the efforts of NPHPSP.”
(IOM, p. 158)
 Since
that time, there has been significant activity in
state-established programs as well as growing interest
in exploring the concept of a national accreditation
system for state and local public health agencies.
Two parallel efforts are underway:
- Exploring Accreditation Project –
CDC and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are
co-funding the exploration of national voluntary
accreditation for state and local public health
agencies. ASTHO and NACCHO, working with NALBOH
and APHA, serve as the co-conveners of a 25-member
national Steering Committee. The Steering Committee
is charged with developing a plan for how a
voluntary, national accreditation system should
be structured, and determining whether it is
feasible and desirable to implement such a system.
Four Work Groups – addressing governance and
implementation, standards development, finance
and incentives, and research and evaluation
– have been convened to advise the Steering
Committee. See
www.exploringaccreditation.com for more
details.
- Multi-State Learning Collaborative
– The National Network of Public Health
Institutes and the Public Health Leadership
Society, with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation, are supporting a Multi-State Learning
Collaborative (MLC). The Learning Collaborative
brings together innovative states implementing
agency performance and capacity assessment or
accreditation programs to further current efforts
and add to the public health knowledge base.
Five states were selected to participate in
the MLC from a field of 18 applicants – Illinois,
Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, and Washington.
See
www.nnphi.org/multistatelearningcollaborative.htm
for more details.
Representatives involved with the NPHPSP are participating
in these efforts. The NPHPSP is an acknowledged
building block for a national accreditation system.
In particular, the NPHPSP can be a valuable foundation
for developing agency-specific standards. However,
because the NPHPSP focuses on the system rather
than a specific organization, it could not be used
in its current format. The NPHPSP also offers an
opportunity to continue attention to the concept
of the public health system. For this reason, the
NPHPSP can serve as a complementary – rather than
redundant – program to accreditation efforts. For
example, a state can use its accreditation program
to look at specific activities within public health
agencies but also use the NPHPSP to look at system-wide
activities at the state and local levels.
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