National Public Health Performance Standards

The National Public Health Performance Standards (NPHPS or the Standards) provide a framework to assess capacity and performance of public health systems and public health governing bodies. This framework can help identify areas for system improvement, strengthen state and local partnerships, and ensure that a strong system is in place for providing the 10 essential public health services.

Using the NPHPS assessment can help ensure that health agencies can respond effectively to both day-to-day public health issues and public health emergencies. The Standards can

• Improve organizational and community communication and collaboration
• Educate participants about public health and the interconnectedness of activities
• Strengthen the diverse network of partners within state and local public health systems
• Identify strengths and weaknesses to address in quality improvement efforts
• Provide a benchmark for public health practice improvements

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) maintain the current version of the NPHPS assessment instruments and supporting resources, including report templates. NPHPS materials are available for three different audiences: state public health systems, local public health systems, and public health governing entities:

• State Public Health System Assessment InstrumentFocuses on state public health agencies and other partners that contribute to public health services at the state level. Hosted by ASTHO.
• Local Public Health System Assessment InstrumentFocuses on all entities that contribute to public health within a community, including public, private, and voluntary entities, individuals, and informal associations. Hosted by NACCHO.
• Public Health Governing Entity Assessment InstrumentFocuses on the board of health or other public health governing entity and its role in providing oversight for health department activities. Hosted by NACCHO.

Results of the assessments should be incorporated into a broader planning process, such as a community health improvement process like Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP), a state health improvement process, or a local board of health strategic planning process.

If you have questions about assessment resources, previous versions of the Standards, or CDC’s role in the NPHPS program, email OSTLTSfeedback@cdc.gov.