Developed with experts from the field, the reaccreditation program aims to improve the quality and accountability within public health.

August 12, 2024 — The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) has announced the launch of the Reaccreditation Program for Vital Records/Health Statistics (VRHS) Units.

The VRHS program, initiated in 2018, focuses on supporting 57 jurisdictional areas identified by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) within the National Vital Statistics Collaborative. The program was developed with extensive feedback from the field, including a think tank hosted by PHAB with subject matter experts. The resulting standards and measures aim to embed equity, incorporate updated infrastructure and workforce guidance, and include data modernization concepts.

“Vital Records and Health Statistics Units are critical to tracking life expectancy, supporting research, and creating effective public health programs in communities,” says PHAB President and CEO Paul Kuehnert, DNP, RN, FAAN. “This program reflects PHAB’s commitment to supporting the essential work of VRHS units as part of our mission to transform public health practice across jurisdictions.”

Accredited VRHS units are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new standards and measures for reaccreditation in preparation for the launch on January 1, 2025. Detailed guidance and resources will be provided to support VRHS Units in preparing for reaccreditation. Unaccredited VRHS units are invited to explore initial accreditation.

Developed in partnership with NCHS and the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS), initial VRHS accreditation is intended to help promote high standards that validate and guide business operations and continuous quality improvement.

“This program aims to improve the quality and accountability within public health by tracking life expectancy, supporting research, and creating effective public health programs in communities,” added Kuehnert.

More information about PHAB’s VRHS Accreditation and Reaccreditation programs can be found at phaboard.org.

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About the Public Health Accreditation Board
The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) is a 501(c)(3) organization and is the sole national accrediting body for public health in the U.S. PHAB supports health departments in their work to serve their communities with many tools and resources, and helps strengthen health department infrastructure, workforce, and data modernization efforts to promote public health system transformation. To learn more about PHAB, visit phaboard.org.