Many different representatives are involved in the process of updating the Accreditation Standards, Benchmarks, & Activities as outlined in Administrative Rule. In 2023, NCLHDA began a focused effort to revise Administrative Rule Chapter 48 outlining the Local Health Department Accreditation process. In May 2023, the NCLHDA program completed a public comment process to provide initial feedback on a proposed set of new activities as outlined by the Standards Workgroup. Since then, the following representatives have been meeting to incorporate additional feedback and edits into the Accreditation revision process. The responsibilities of each group to inform revisions to standards, benchmarks, and activities are outlined in our Process Operational Guidelines and summarized in a supplemental flowchart. While we welcome feedback at any point through our NCLHDaccreditation@unc.edu email address, we also encourage you to connect with your representatives within these groups to share your perspective.
In addition to the groups described below, the AAC Advisory Council and the full NCLHDA Board contribute to conversations around the future of accreditation.
Each of these groups were invited to participate in a “Future of Accreditation” retreat in March 2024, as summarized in a brief report.
This is an appointed group as defined in our Process Operational Guidelines drafts proposed changes to standards, benchmarks, and activities. Current members include:
Kevin Austin, Yadkin County Commissioner
Bailey Caudle, Cleveland County Agency Accreditation Coordinator
Jen Greene, AppHealth Health Director
Susan Haynes Little, Chief Public Health Nurse, DPH
Victoria Hudson, Site Visitor
Tommy Jarrell, Site Visitor
Emily Mayes, Surry County Agency Accreditation Coordinator
Jo Morgan, Site Visit Coordinator
Jessica Silver, Buncombe County HHS Environmental Health Administrator
Ashley Stoop, Albemarle Regional Health Director
This is a group of Health Directors from each NC Association of Local Health Directors region who provide additional input and guidance on accreditation revisions. Current members include
Sarah Banks, Haywood County
Patrick Brown, NCALHD Representative
Jen Greene, AppHealth District
Scott Harrelson, Craven County
Jane Hinson, Iredell County
David Howard, Brunswick County
Jennifer McCracken, Catawba County
Kathy McGaha, Macon County
Nina Oliver, Carteret County
Kristen Richmond-Hoover, Onslow County
Wanda Robinson, Sampson County
Quintana Stewart, Orange County
Ashley Stoop, Albemarle Regional District
Mike Zelek, Chatham County
While all Board Members are involved in reviewing and approving changes to the accreditation program, these changes are first recommended by the Standards & Evidence Board Committee. Current members include:
Kevin Austin, Yadkin County Commissioner, Committee Chair
Pam Andrews, AppHealthCare Board of Health
Bertadean Baker, Warren County Board of County Commissioners
William Heath Cain, Lee County Health Director
Susan Haynes Little, Chief Public Health Nurse, DPH
Stacie Turpin Saunders, Local and Community Support Deputy Director, DPH
Benjamin Tillet, Person County Board of Health