The National Public Health Performance Standards Program: will it strengthen governance of local public health?

Governing bodies such as local boards of health are the government authority ultimately accountable for public health at the local level. The National Public Health Performance Standards Program (NPHPSP) provides governing bodies guidance in their oversight of the public health system and the provision of essential public health services. Using the NPHPSP's standard guidelines and criteria, local public health governing boards can identify assets and needs for public health improvements, coordinate existing services and programs, and target their advocacy for public health resources. The NPHPSP provides governing boards a means for ensuring that local public health systems coordinate their efforts to improve accountability, quality, and evidence for community health.