Connecticut State Department of Public Health

Accreditation Toolkit for
Local and Tribal Health Departments

Accreditation Coordination Tools

Accreditation Coordinator and Domain team tools are helpful in the organization of the Documentation Collection phase, one of the most important steps in the accreditation process. Tools such as progress tables, quick reference check lists, and measure review forms are available. Also included are examples of communication materials used to improve DPH's awareness of accreditation activity, as well as, training materials to prepare domain teams to successfully take on the task of identifying and assessing potential documents.

Accreditation Learning Community

The Accreditation Learning Community is a peer network of CT health departments planning for or seeking accreditation and serves as a platform for participants to exchange and discuss accreditation-related tools, resources, and best practices. The Learning Community meets once a month via conference call and focuses on specific accreditation-related issues, such as developing a department's pre-requisites, interpreting PHAB Standards and Measure Version 1.5, and developing an agency's Quality Improvement and Performance Management system. 

Quality Improvement and Performance Management

Quality Improvement and Performance Management are critical components of the PHAB Standards. Domain 9 focuses on integration of performance management and quality improvement practices and processes for the continuous improvement of the public health department's practices, programs, and interventions. Tools and resources are available to help an agency develop its Quality Improvement Plan, conduct quality improvement projects, and communicate activities with staff, constituents, and other external or internal partners.

PHAB Pre-Requisites

The three pre-requisite documents that are submitted to PHAB at the time of the application are the Community Health Assessment (CHA), the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and the Agency Strategic Plan (SP). In addition, Domain 1 and Domain 5 specifically ask for these documents, along with documentation of activities, strategies, and improvements made as a result of the CHA, CHIP, and SP. Tools and resources are available to aid in the development of a department's assessment and plans.

Workforce Development

Domain 8 in PHAB's Standards and Measures focuses on the need for departments to strategically approach the development of a competent workforce to perform public health duties. The Workforce Development Plan is a major document and is meant to demonstrate the health department's planning for employee training, implementation of these opportunities, and the development of core competencies. Resources include templates and tools to help departments develop a quality Workforce Development Plan prior to documentation submission.

Health Equity

Health Equity is an important part of the PHAB Standards and Measures Version 1.5. Domains 3, 4, 7, 9, and 11 each have measures that require evidence of the consideration and implementation of health equity activities and strategies. The Health Equity Toolkit for Local Health Departments is a collection of resources and practical tools designed to help Local Health Departments in CT and other DPH partners understand the components of health equity, and include health equity in daily work.

Domain 11 and Domain 12

Domain 11 (Maintain administrative and management capacity) addresses the public health department's operational infrastructure that supports its capacity to carry out the 10 Essential Public Health Services. Measure requirements in Domain 11 include human resource policies, financial management, IT security, health equity policies, and public health ethics. Domain 12 (Maintain capacity to engage the public health governing entity) focuses on the relationship building between the health department and its governing entity. Resources available include policy and protocol templates adopted at CT DPH, policy examples, a template for tracking the actions of the governing entity, and NACCHO resources for engaging the local health governing entity.

If you have any questions about the materials provided, please contact melissa.touma@ct.gov.