Making the decision to pursue Initial Accreditation, Reaccreditation, or Pathways Recognition is the first step. Once you decide to pursue a PHAB program, there are some steps to review so that you are prepared:

  • Determine Eligibility. Review the eligibility requirements in the Policy to ensure your health department is eligible to apply for Initial Accreditation or Pathways Recognition.

  • Review the Introduction to PHAB course to learn more about PHAB, the Accreditation and Recognition processes.

  • Register for the Readiness and Training process. The Readiness and Training process is a mandatory first step in applying for either Initial Accreditation or Pathways Recognition. Health departments must pay the Readiness and Training fee in order to gain access to required materials. Review more information below.

  • Review the Policy, Standards & Measures, and additional resources. Use the Standards & Measures for your intended program as your roadmap as you create and update plans and policies. View resources >

Readiness and Training Process

The Readiness and Training process is a streamlined way for health departments to assess their readiness for either Initial Accreditation or Pathways Recognition and build capacity to go through the process. The Readiness and Training process includes two parts:

  • Readiness Assessment – The Readiness Assessment is a way for health departments to assess their readiness for PHAB programs. This includes a focus on the Foundational Capabilities and provides valuable feedback directly from PHAB. To provide sufficient time to receive and utilize feedback from the Readiness Assessment, health departments must submit the Readiness Assessment Survey Response to PHAB at least 60 days prior to their Readiness & Training Process due date.

  • PHAB Training – Health departments will be required to attend one live training and gain access to a series of trainings in the Learning Center. The training guides health departments through the Initial Accreditation and Pathways Recognition processes and provides health departments an overview of the Standard’s & Measures.

The Readiness and Training fee is $1,299 and includes the PHAB training, the Readiness Assessment, and a credit toward the Initial Accreditation or Pathways Recognition application. Health departments must go through the Readiness and Training process prior to submitting an application for Initial Accreditation or Pathways Recognition.

 

Process:

  • Register your health department for the Readiness and Training process.

  • Once your registration has been accepted by PHAB, you will receive an invoice for the Readiness and Training fee. The invoice must be paid to gain access to the Readiness Assessment and trainings.

  • After the invoice has been paid, you will have one year to complete the Readiness Assessment, take the required trainings, and apply for a program. PHAB recommends completing the required training and Readiness Assessment within the first 6-months of the Readiness & Training process so that the information can be utilized in health department planning and preparation (Readiness Assessments are due to PHAB at least 60 days prior to the due date).   

     

REQUIRED TRAININGS: 

During the Readiness & Training year PHAB requires the Accreditation Coordinator (AC) of each department to complete a 4-hour virtual training and either the Initial Accreditation or Pathways Journey in PHAB’s Learning Center.   

  • Each AC should register themselves and up to four other members of department staff for virtual training.  It is recommended that at least one additional member of staff attend the training. 
  • When a department enters Readiness & Training the Accreditation Coordinator and Department Director are assigned both the Initial Accreditation and Pathways Journey in PHAB’s Learning Center.  The AC must complete one of the journeys prior to applying for accreditation.  If you wish to have additional department staff registered contact [email protected]. 

PHAB offers virtual training related to accreditation and reaccreditation readiness.  These classes are only available to departments who are working on Readiness & Training, Pathways Recognition, Initial Accreditation and Reaccreditation. 

  • Documentation Intensive for Accreditation 
  • Documentation Intensive for Reaccreditation 
  • Rock your Readiness 
  • Site Visit Preparation 

Departments must register to attend these trainings. 

PHAB offers on-demand courses available to the public health field, departments who are just getting started with accreditation, and departments who are working on Reaccreditation.

View the Learning Course Catalog >

On-demand courses focused on accreditation and reaccreditation readiness include:

  • Making Accreditation Fun
  • The PHAB Readiness Assessment
  • Pathways Recognition
  • Introduction to PHAB
  • Pathways Recognition Documentation Forms
  • Initial Accreditation Documentation Forms Version 2022
  • Reaccreditation Documentation Forms Version 2022

PHAB offers virtual training related to accreditation and reaccreditation readiness. They include:

  • New Accreditation Coordinator Training
  • Understanding Accreditation/Reaccreditation/Pathways: The Basics
  • Workforce Plan Template 101
  • Site Visit Prep
  • Establishing a State-based Accreditation Learning Community

Fees

PHAB instituted a fee structure to manage and maintain the national accreditation process. Applicant fees are necessary for PHAB to provide quality services to both applicants for accreditation and accredited health departments. Public health department accreditation is not a “one-time” event; it is an ongoing commitment to continuous quality improvement.