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Public Health Advisory Board
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Background
The Washington State Legislature enacted Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (ESSHB) 1152 in 2021, establishing the Washington State Public Health Advisory Board (PHAB). The PHAB is a governor-appointed body convened by the state Department of Health to advise and provide feedback on the public health system, with a specific focus on governmental public health services, analyzing the COVID-19 response, and evaluating foundational public health services.
Focus and Purpose of the PHAB
As described in law, RCW 43.70.675, the PHAB shall:
- Advise and provide feedback to the governmental public health system and provide formal public recommendations on public health.
- Monitor the performance of the governmental public health system.
- Develop goals and a direction for public health in Washington and provide recommendations to improve public health performance and to achieve the identified goals and direction.
- Advise and report to the secretary.
- Coordinate with the governor's office, Department of Health, State Board of Health, local health jurisdictions, and the secretary of health.
- Evaluate public health emergency response and provide recommendations for future response, including coordinating with relevant committees, task forces, and stakeholders to analyze the COVID-19 public health response.
- Evaluate the use of foundational public health services funding by the governmental public health system.
The function of the PHAB is advisory. The PHAB may take the following actions:
- Request data and reports to assist in preparing recommendations to the secretary of health.
- Make recommendations, via a report, on improvement to the governmental public health system and how foundational public health services dollars are spent.
- Charter committees as needed (for ongoing work) and/or work groups (for short-term work) on various topics related to governmental public health.
- Serve as a liaison to other committees or groups as requested.