What is Public Health Accreditation?

The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) is a non-profit organization that administers the national accreditation program for state, local, Tribal, and territorial health departments. Public health accreditation requires a rigorous, peer-reviewed assessment to confirm that health departments meet nationally recognized, evidence-based standards across 10 Domains aligned with the Essential Public Health Services framework. Accreditation enables health departments to assess and improve their strengths and service quality while demonstrating accountability and credibility to communities, officials, funders, and partners.

CDPH Public Health Accreditation Program

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) was one of the first state health departments to achieve initial accreditation in December 2014. CDPH was reaccredited in August 2023. CDPH is in the process of its second reaccreditation cycle, which is due to be completed in 2028 or early 2029.

The Public Health Accreditation Program (also known as the “CDPH Accreditation Team”), which is located in the Office of Professional Development & Engagement (OPDE), Accreditation and Performance Management Unit (APMU), manages all accreditation activities throughout CDPH. As an accredited state health department, CDPH also provides leadership, training, and technical assistance to all California local health departments seeking PHAB accreditation, reaccreditation, and Pathways Recognition. ​​

Contact Accreditation@cdph.ca.gov​ for questions or more information. ​