Oral

The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), organized in 2007, continues to develop and establish the elements of a national voluntary public health accreditation program. When the program is fully launched in 2011, it will offer accreditation services to state, local and tribal health departments. All of these national voluntary accreditation efforts have been developed since the Exploring Accreditation report was published in 2006. This session will describe the developments of the program over the past year and will highlight the planned events for 2010. Included in the presentation will be a description of the current standards and assessment process for accreditation; a discussion of the beta test with 30 health department sites participating; and an overview of the additional information which will advise the accreditation development process. Participants will also have an opportunity to dialogue with the presenter, as well as PHAB staff and Board members who are in attendance, in a town hall atmosphere.

Session Objectives: Describe the current elements in the development of the national voluntary public health accreditation program. Identify the steps in beta testing and informing the national voluntary public health accreditation program development in 2010. Discuss the key issues related to preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining public health accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)