N.D. Cent. Code § 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.