Accreditation means excellence. It means that a health department is committed to continuous quality and performance improvement. Accreditation is a way to engage all staff in transformation and improvement efforts. Learn about the benefits of accreditation.

The PHAB Standards & Measures define expectations for all public health departments that seek accreditation. The accompanying Policy presents the official process for seeking and obtaining PHAB accreditation.

PHAB accepted applications for Version 1.5 through June 30, 2022. Health departments applying on, or after, July 1, 2022 will do so using Version 2022 of PHAB Standards & Measures. A health department is reviewed against the set of Standards & Measures under which they apply.

For additional information on PHAB policies and the Initial Accreditation Standards and Measures, visit The Learning Center.

Why accreditation?

Accreditation provides a framework for health departments to identify performance improvement opportunities, demonstrate credibility, develop leadership, and improve relationships with the community. It serves as both an accountability and transparency mechanism and is a step on a journey to transform public health practice.

Eligibility

State, local, US territory/freely associated state, and Tribal health departments are eligible to apply for accreditation. PHAB will determine the applicant’s eligibility. Official eligibility requirements are detailed in the Policy.

Health departments are encouraged to discuss with PHAB any instances where they have questions about how The Standards or eligibility criteria apply given their organizational structure.

Highlights of Version 2022

  • 10 Domains. instead if 12, to align with the 10 Essential Public Health Services

  • 90 fewer required documents for initial accreditation with a focus on reducing documentation and clarifying requirements.

  • Foundational Capabilities are embedded and easily identified to promote accountability.

  • Preparedness requirements have evolved based on lessons learned during COVID-19.

Getting Started

  • Determine eligibility. Review the eligibility requirements on the PHAB Learning Center to ensure your health department is eligible to apply for Initial Accreditation.

  • Review the Introduction to PHAB course to learn more about the accreditation process and the value it can bring to your health department and community.

  • Register for the Readiness and Training process. You will be asked to pay the Readiness and Training fee which gives you access to the Readiness Assessment and PHAB trainings on the process, selecting documentation, and how continuous performance improvement will be supported. After the invoice has been paid, you will gain access to optional on-demand trainings and will be invited to the required upcoming live trainings. Your Readiness & Training one year clock will begin following completion of the live/virtual “Initial Accreditation & Pathways Training.” You will have 6 months following completion of the “Initial Accreditation & Pathways Training” to complete the Readiness Assessment and 12 months to complete the “Documentation Intensive for Initial Accreditation & Pathways Training” and the Application for either Pathways or Initial Accreditation. Register your department.

  • Review the Policy, Standards & Measures, and additional resources. Remember to use the Standards Measures as your roadmap as you create and update plans and policies.

For additional questions on how to get started, email [email protected].

Fees

PHAB instituted a fee structure to manage and maintain the national accreditation process. Applicant fees are necessary for PHAB to provide quality services to both applicants for accreditation and accredited health departments. Public health department accreditation is not a “one-time” event; it is an ongoing commitment to continuous quality improvement.