Christopher Ogolla, MPH¹, Joan Cioffi, PhD¹, Lee Thielen², and Michael F. Fraser, PhD³. (1) PHPPO/CDC, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, MS-K-38, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-8118, jcioffi@cdc.gov, (2) Private Consultant, 1308 Lindenwoood, Fort Collins, CO 80524, (3) Program Manager, Research and Development Division, National Association of County and City Health Officials, 1100 17th Street, NW Second Floor, Washington, DC 20036

“Assure a competent public health workforce” is one of the essential services. Certification and credentialing are one mechanism for assuring consistency in a field of practice. A broad range of professionals with varying backgrounds contribute to public health at the local, state and national level. This panel discussion reviews the status of certification and credentialing for leaders and disciplines practicing in public health (medicine, nursing, health education, environmental health) and explores strategies for assuring ongoing workforce competency. Pros and cons of existing and proposed certification mechanisms are reviewed from the perspective of local, state and federal roles. The evidence base from the health field linking individual certification and/or organizational accreditation with outcomes (e.g. client satisfaction, organizational performance, or health status) is reviewed. The panelists will discuss a three-tiered framework for certification and credentialing developed at CDC-sponsored national workforce development meetings (2000-2003). This framework developed by an expert panel is offered as a way of advancing consistency in public health practice. Tier 1 would provide recognition for all public health workers completing an orientation/awareness level program. Tier 2 would incorporate public health competencies into existing discipline- specific certifications. Tier 3 focuses on leadership certification. Strategies for implementing each tier will be discussed. The role of public health leaders in guiding the national dialogue on this controversial issue will be explored.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will

• Describe current status of certification and credentialing efforts targeted to leaders and specific disciplines.
• Discuss the pros and cons of certification and credentialing.
• Review the evidence base linking individual certification or organizational accreditation with outcomes.
• Discuss role of public health leaders in shaping the national dialogue on certification and credentialing in public health.

Keywords: Leadership, Workforce

Related Web page: www.phppo.cdc.gov/owpp

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.