Under a new program, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public health departments are now able to receive national accreditation much like universities and hospital systems can. The voluntary accreditation program is supported jointly between the CDC and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
“Accreditation is a major accomplishment for a health department. It means that it is addressing key community health problems,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Just as the public expects hospitals, law enforcement agencies and schools to be accredited so should they come to expect public health departments.”
In addition to improving the quality and level of service provided to the public, the program helps the public make a choice about where they choose to go for health care. The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), is responsible for administering the program and approving facilities for accreditation.
In order to receive their accreditation a facility is reviewed and trained on 10 essential areas of public health activities. Once a facility is found competent and able to demonstrate a commitment to constant improvement, they can receive their national accreditation.
Source: CDC