Pathways Recognition is a program designed to support performance improvement efforts, strengthen infrastructure, and facilitate public health system transformation for local, Tribal, and US Territory/Freely Associated State public health departments not yet ready for Accreditation. Pathways can facilitate Accreditation readiness for eligible health departments intending to use the program as a step toward Accreditation.
Pathways Recognition assesses health departments on the Foundational Capability measures in the Standards and Measures for Initial Accreditation Version 2022. There are 34 measures assessed in the Pathways Recognition program, and they are divided into two tracks –Services and Partnerships and Health Department Systems.
To achieve Pathways Recognition, eligible health departments must successfully complete both tracks. The requirements for each track may be completed at one time or separately.
Pathways Recognition includes a Learning Community component. PHAB will accept individual health department Pathways applications on a rolling basis. Health departments joining a state-specific cohort will have a coordinated start date.
To get started with Pathways, a health department must complete all required components of PHAB’s Readiness & Training process and submit a Pathways application.
Why Pathways Recognition?
The Pathways Recognition Program is a meaningful step along a health department’s performance improvement journey. It allows a health department to make sizable progress toward Accreditation by demonstrating achievement of the Foundational Capabilities. Measures assessed through Pathways can be carried forward and counted toward Initial Accreditation. A discount on future Accreditation fees is also built in.
“This recognition is important because it builds trust within our community, knowing that their health and well-being are supported by a department that is continually striving for excellence.” – Siskiyou County Health Department Public Information Officer, Angie Cook, MPRM
Eligibility
Local, US territory/freely associated state, and Tribal health departments are eligible to apply for Pathways Recognition. PHAB will determine the applicant’s eligibility.
Health departments are encouraged to discuss with PHAB questions about how The Standards, eligibility criteria, or other policy-related items apply to their department based on their organizational structure. Please reach out to [email protected] with questions about the Pathways Recognition Program.
Getting Started
Local, US Territory/Freely Associated State, and Tribal health departments are eligible to apply for Pathways Recognition. PHAB will determine the applicant’s eligibility.
Health departments are encouraged to discuss with PHAB questions about how The Standards, eligibility criteria, or other policy-related items apply to their department based on their organizational structure. Please reach out to [email protected] with questions about the Pathways Recognition Program.
This course provides a detailed overview of the PHAB organization, process, and functions. It also provides information about the Pathways Recognition Program, the value it can bring to your health department and community, and how Pathways Recognition can be used as a step toward application to Initial Accreditation.
You will be asked to pay the Readiness and Training fee which gives you access to the Readiness Assessment and PHAB trainings on the Pathways Recognition process, selecting documentation, and how continuous performance improvement will be supported.
After the invoice has been paid, you will gain access to optional on-demand trainings and will be invited to the required upcoming live trainings.
Your Readiness & Training one year clock will begin following completion of the live/virtual “Initial Accreditation & Pathways Training.”
You will have 6 months following completion of the “Initial Accreditation & Pathways Training” to complete the Readiness Assessment and 12 months to complete the “Documentation Intensive for Initial Accreditation & Pathways Training” and the Application for either Pathways or Initial Accreditation. Register your department>
The Standards & Measures document serves as the official measures, required documentation, and guidance blueprint for PHAB Pathways Recognition. The Policy document presents the process for seeking and obtaining Pathways Recognition. Remember to use the Standards & Measures as your roadmap as you create and update plans and policies.
For additional information on PHAB policies and the Pathways Recognition program, visit The Learning Center.
Pathways in Action
Pathways Recognition 101
Siskiyou County Health Department Achieves Historic Milestone with PHAB Pathways Recognition
Navigating Performance Improvement Together: Insights from the First Pathways Recognition Cohort
Pathway Recognition Fees
Before applying for Pathways, health departments are required to complete the Readiness and Training process. The fee for this step is $1,299.
The Pathways Recognition Program fees support the external review of a health department’s conformity with Foundational Capabilities Measures, as well as participation in a learning community with other applicants.
Pathways Recognition has two tracks. Health departments may apply to one or both.
- The fee for one track is $3,050.
- Health departments completing both tracks would pay a total of $6,100.
View the complete fee schedule for more information.
