CDC EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMPETENCIES FOR ALL PUBLIC HEALTH WORKERS

Public Health Leaders/Administrators must also be competent to:

DESCRIBE the chain of command and management system ("incident command system" or similar protocol) for emergency response in the jurisdiction.

COMMUNICATE the public health information , roles, capacities, and legal authority to all emergency response partners -- such as other public health agencies, other health agencies, other government agencies -- during planning, drills and actual emergencies (This includes contributing to effective community-wide response through leadership, team building, negotiation and conflict resolution).

COMMUNICATE the public health information, roles, capacities, and legal authority to all emergency response partners -- such as other public health agencies, other health agencies, other government agencies -- during planning, drills and actual emergencies. (This includes contributing to effective community-wide response through leadership, team building, negotiation and conflict resolution).

MAINTAIN regular communication with emergency response partners. (This includes maintaining a current directory of partners and identifying appropriate methods for contacting them in emergencies).

ASSURE that the agency (or agency unit) has a written, regularly updated plan for major categories of emergencies that respects the culture of the community.

ASSURE that the agency (or agency unit) regularly practices all parts of emergency response.

EVALUATE every emergency response drill (or actual response) to identify needed internal and external improvements.

ASSURE that knowledge and skill gaps identified through emergency response planning, drills, and evaluation are addressed.

Note: Combine leader/administrator competencies with professional competencies when public health leaders and administrators also have medical, nursing, or other professional duties.

Leader/Administrative occupations involve the exercise of analytical ability, judgment, discretion, personal responsibility, and the application of a substantial body of knowledge of principles, concepts, and practices applicable to one or more fields of administration or management. NB: Public health leaders/administrators may also be public health professionals (adapted from the US Office of Personnel Management).