The Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) Capacity and Cost Assessment provides an understanding of costs, expertise, and capacity toward the national FPHS framework. Information from the Assessment can be used to:

  • determine how best to allocate resources to meet the needs of their jurisdictions and communities;
  • consider options to shift resources within the organization;
  • identify opportunities to share resources and/or services across agencies; and
  • advocate for funding.

How to Complete the Assessment

The Assessment is delivered through an Excel based tool and walks through a series of questions and categories for agencies to complete. Agencies will provide data on:

  • their current implementation of and resources directed toward the FPHS; and
  • the staffing and spending needed to fully implement the FPHS.

Completion of the Assessment will require the participation of both health agency finance and program staff. Agencies should refer to the following resources to get started:

  • Instructional Guide for detailed instructions on how to complete the Assessment.

  • Operational Definitions for the FPHS framework which focus on defining elements that are quantifiable and provide an understanding of the Foundational Capability and Area and its associated responsibilities and activities. The Assessment covers Foundational Capabilities and Foundational Areas, not Community-specific Services.

  • Decision Guide to help governmental public health agencies engage the appropriate staff, identify the appropriate data, and navigate some of the more complex aspects of the Assessment.

  • Frequently Asked Questions to further understand the Assessment.

PHAB is available to discuss using the FPHS Capacity and Cost Assessment with health departments and state systems seeking systemwide transformation – email questions to [email protected].

Resources

This FPHS Assessment Decision Guide (Guide) and Frequently Asked Questions provides guidance for decision-making and preparation for those participating in Assessment processes related to:

  • Identifying Assessment Participants
  • Common Data for the Assessment
  • Guidance for Specific Questions
  • Cross-cutting Assessment Topics
  • Allocating Historical Effort and Spending
  • Estimating the Cost of Full Implementation of FPHS