NACCHO’s Operational Definition of a Functional Local Health Department (LHD) describes what everyone, regardless of where they live, can reasonably expect from governmental local public health. The Operational Definition standards are regarded as the framework for LHD standards in the voluntary national accreditation program.
NACCHO offers a host of resources to assist LHDs in positioning themselves to become accredited, including a peer assistance network, prototype metrics, state-specific standards and measures, quality improvement resources, and examples of newly-established partnerships and regionalization efforts to meet standards. More »
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Download the Operational Definition of a functional local health department.
Visit the NACCHO bookstore for ordering information.
Microsoft Word version also available. |
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A number of states have programs that address performance improvement, certification, or accreditation for LHDs. Click on the states to view available information, including how they use the Operational Definition. More »
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The Operational Definition can serve as a performance improvement tool, but additional resources are available to help LHDs focus on quality improvement. See what other organizations are doing around performance improvement and self-assessment. More »
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| Peer Assistance Network | ||
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The Peer Assistance Network (PAN) connects LHDs and SACCHOs with colleagues for guidance on integrating the Operational Definition into performance improvement. More » |
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| How to Use the Op Def | ||
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Read how LHDs across the nation are applying the Operational Definition in their work and download tools and templates. More » |
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| Communications Toolkit | ||
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This communications toolkit offers practical methods and useful tools for LHDs to communicate more successfully about local public health. More » |
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