A Proposed Model for a VOLUNTARY NATIONAL ACCREDITATION PROGRAM for State and Local Public Health Departments Exploring Accreditation Steering Committee Members: Georges Benjamin – APHA Janet Olszewski – ASTHO Bobby Pestronk – NACCHO Harvey Wallace – NALBOH Les Beitsch – Public Health Foundation July Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Today’s Objectives Briefly describe the process that led to this proposed model Outline the major elements of the proposed model Obtain feedback from you on the proposed model and its feasibility

Project Goal Design a model voluntary national accreditation program for state and local (governmental) public health departments and determine whether it is feasible and desirable to implement

A Rising Tide… CDC’s Futures Initiative “Future of the Public’s Health in the 21st Century” (IOM) RWJF Key Stakeholder Meeting 2004 Statewide Accreditation Programs Multi-state Learning Collaborative

Key Players STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT WORKGROUP Chair: Stephanie Bailey STEERING COMMITTEE Chair: Kaye Bender RESEARCH & EVALUATION WORKGROUP Chair: Les Beitsch FINANCE & INCENTIVES WORKGROUP Chair: Bruce Pomer GOVERNANCE & IMPLEMENTATION WORKGROUP Chair: Rachel Stevens PLANNING COMMITTEE Georges Benjamin, APHA Marie Fallon, NALBOH Paul Jarris, ASTHO Pat Libbey, NACCHO

A Proposed Model for a Voluntary National Accreditation Program for State and Local Health Departments

Why accreditation now?

What is the value of the program?

How would the program run?

Accrediting Entity New non-profit organization - Manage the accreditation process - Evaluate effectiveness and impact - Provide orientation to the accreditation process - Advocate for technical assistance - Relate to existing state programs

“ A voluntary national accreditation program “should reinforce rather than replace efforts that establish performance standards for [health departments], promote rather than pre- empt widespread use of tools like NPHPSP and MAPP for self-assessment and improvement, and ultimately unify rather than unlink organizational performance and human resource management activities within public health [departments].” Bernard J. Turnock Journal of Public Health Management and Practice May-June 2006

Governing Body 18 members selected for expertise and to represent key stakeholders –Establishes accreditation standards –Determines if departments meet standards –Manages vendors

Eligible Accreditation Applicants Governmental state or local entities with legal responsibility for public health

Standards Development Promote pursuit of excellence, improve performance, and strengthen accountability – Consider existing and developing performance improvement work – Create specific standards around 11 domains based on essential services

Who pays for the program’s operation?

Financing Start-Up –Grant-makers –Government agencies –Health department associations Operations –Applicant fees –Other sources Controlling Costs –Phased development –Efficient process design –Prudent use of resources –Providing benchmarks to applicants –Building volunteer support

Incentives Orientation of the applicant staff to the process Readiness review and self-assessment tools Sources for consultation on ways to meet and exceed standards Recognition of their accomplishments Access to funding support for quality and performance improvement and infrastructure needs identified in the accreditation process Opportunities to pilot new programs and processes based on proven performance levels Streamlined application processes for grants and programs

Program Evaluation Is the accrediting entity operating effectively? Is the accreditation process reasonable? Is the orientation for applicant staff effective? Who is participating and are they satisfied? Are standards and measures reliable and valid? What performance improvements have resulted? Is the program perceived as credible by applicants and decision-makers?

Research Critical for building an evidence base about the value of accreditation –Does accreditation result in improved agency performance? –Does agency performance influence health outcomes?

Public Comment Comment period ends Wednesday, July 26, 2006 Go to Key questions for discussion and feedback

Next Steps Business Case Steering Committee Meeting Final recommendations released at the end of August

Implementation Strategic business plan Standards and measures Pilot projects

For More Information… Jennifer Jimenez Priscilla Barnes ASTHO NACCHO (202) (202) x258