The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70974

Anita L. Siegel, MPH, Elaine Conley, RN, MPH, and Erica Caillouet. Office of the Director, Alameda County Public Health Department, 1000 Broadway, Suite 500, Oakland, CA 94607, 510-267-8000, asiegel@co.alameda.ca.us

In an effort to increase local flexibility with categorical state funding, Alameda County had California Assembly Bill 1259, approved and signed into law in the 1999. This allows Alameda County to pilot an integrated county health system by consolidating the management of 20 state and federal funding sources in the Public Health Department. The goal is to develop a consolidated state contract.

The Public Health Department chose an aggressive approach that streamlines service delivery. Four tools have been developed for this initiative, which include a centralized client intake process, a computerized client recording system, implementation of a uniform individual time card and a consolidated claim process. The client record system requires nurses to register service activities into laptop computers on a web-based application. The time card records service activity in real time and is integrated into the client record system. The time card also forms the basis for a consolidated claim. It is expected that the Uniform Time Card will significantly decrease cumbersome paperwork, eliminate the need for time studies, capture real time on a daily basis, and integrate into the uniform information system. This system will increase financial accountability, staff efficiency, programmatic accountability, and improve the ability to draw down additional federal dollars.

The consolidated state contract will be organized around the Ten Essential Public Health Services. This will facilitate evaluation of service delivery and the ability to measure impact on health outcomes rather than the number of activities.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:
• 1. Understand the initiative that Alameda County has undertaken to improve service delivery.
• 2. Identify the four tools that were developed to improve service delivery
• 3. Describe how a consolidated contract will improve flexibility with categorical funding.
• 4. Realize how this effort can be used in other areas to experiment with consolidation of categorical grants to address local priorities.

Keywords: Essential Public Health Services, Public Health Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.