Oral

Local boards of health (LBOH) serve to protect and promote the health of their communities and are charged with the responsibility to govern local health agencies and shape public health policy. Yet, there exists a lack of data about the effectiveness of LBOH and their link to governance, policies, and public health issues. In addition, many board of health have the authority to affect a health department’s programs, services, and ability to become accredited. To ensure that boards are adequately fulfilling their governance functions, it is imperative for them to complete the National Public Health Performance Standards Program (NPHPSP) Governance Assessment. This session will review strategies that NALBOH has employed to: 1. Fill the research gaps about the structure and functions of boards of health through the 2011 Profile Survey, and 2. Help boards of health fulfill their governance responsibilities through assessing their abilities and discovering areas for improvement. Results and information from these activities will be provide an overview of the structure and responsibilities of boards of health and offer a better understanding of their governance functions, needs, and role in the public health system.

Session Objectives: 1. Recognize the most common structure of local boards of health while understanding the diversities. 2. Identify top areas of local board of health responsibilities 3. Describe how to use quality improvement methods to address areas of need identified through a Governance Assessment.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)