Eligibility

The governmental entity that has the primary statutory or legal responsibility for public health in a Tribe, state, territory, or at the local level is eligible to apply for accreditation. To be eligible, such entities must operate in a manner consistent with applicable federal, Tribal state, territorial, and local statutes. A health department must meet one of the following definitions to apply for PHAB accreditation:

Tribal Health Department
A Tribal health department is defined, for the purposes of PHAB accreditation, as a federally recognized Tribal government¹, Tribal organization or inter-Tribal consortium, as defined in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, as amended. Such departments have jurisdictional authority to provide public health services, as evidenced by constitution, resolution, ordinance, executive order or other legal means, intended to promote and protect the Tribeʼs overall health, wellness and safety; prevent disease; and respond to issues and events. Federally recognized Tribal governments may carry out the above public health functions in a cooperative manner through formal agreement, formal partnership, or formal collaboration.

¹As evidenced by inclusion on the list of recognized Tribes mandated under 25 U.S.C. § 479a-1. Publication of List of Recognized Tribes.

State and Territorial Health Department
A state or territorial health department is defined, for the purposes of PHAB accreditation, as the governing entity with primary statutory authority to promote and protect the public's health and prevent disease in humans. This authority is defined by state or territorial constitution, statutes or regulations, or established by Executive Order. State or territorial health departments may also apply if they are part of an umbrella organization, super public health agency, or super agency that oversees public health functions as well as other government functions. However, PHAB will review and accredit only the public health function of the health department.

Local Health Department
A local health department is defined, for the purposes of PHAB accreditation, as the governmental body serving a jurisdiction or group of jurisdictions geographically smaller than a state and recognized as having the primary statutory authority to promote and protect the public's health and prevent disease in humans. This authority is defined by the state's constitution, statute, or regulations or established by local ordinance or through formal local cooperative agreement or mutual aid. The entity may be a locally governed health department, a local entity of a centralized state health department, or a city, city-county, county, district, or regional health department.