23-35.1-02. Regional public health network - Joint powers agreement - Review by
department - Criteria.
Before a group of public health units may be designated as a regional public health network
and eligible for state funding, the department shall review the joint powers agreement the public
health units entered and verify that:
1. The regional public health network consists of:
a. At least two public health units serving a minimum population of fifteen thousand;
or
b. A minimum of three public health units.
2. The joint powers agreement requires that the participating public health units:
a. Assess the health of the population;
b. Identify workplan activities that meet the needs of the region;
c. Comply with requirements adopted by rule;
d. Meet department maintenance of effort funding requirements, which must be
calculated based on each unit's dollar or mill levy public health unit contribution in
the most recent calendar year; and
e. Share core public health activities and measure outcomes in accordance with
subsection 3.
3. The joint powers agreement requires:
a. Evidence that network activities align with prevailing health status and community
needs;
b. Shared or expanded services, including the core public health activities of:
(1) Preventing epidemics and spread of disease;
(2) Protecting against environmental hazards;
(3) Preventing injuries;
(4) Promoting health behaviors;
(5) Responding to disasters; and
(6) Assuring the quality and accessibility of health services;
c. Assurance of network performance measurement to demonstrate capacity,
process, or health outcomes;
d. Criteria for the future participation of public health units that were not parties to
the original joint powers agreement;
e. An application process by which public health units that were not parties to the
original joint powers agreement may become participating districts; and
f. A process by which public health units that were not parties to the original joint
powers agreement may appeal a decision to deny an application to participate in
the agreement to the department.
4. The joint powers agreement provides for the structure of the governing body of the
network.
