Office of Planning and Partnerships

Colorado’s minimum quality standards was placed into rule for two reasons, (1) Compliance with the Public Health Act of 2008 and (2) in respect of the spirit and intent of the law that core public health services should be provided or assured to all Colorado residents and visitors at a minimum standard regardless of where the service is provided in the state. All local public health agencies should work toward meeting this minimum standard through the ongoing process of continuous quality improvement and gradual, measured progress toward or beyond the minimum standard. The thirty-two minimum quality standards have been developed to align with national standards created by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) for their public health accreditation program.

• Standardizes public health services offered statewide, yet allows flexibility to LPHAs.
• Sets a minimum standard that local public health agencies can work toward and surpass based on community need and resources.
• Fosters a culture of continuous quality improvement to ensure that local public health agencies are using public dollars efficiently and effectively.
• Supports local public health agencies that choose to seek voluntary, national accreditation.