SAPHE 2.0 Highlighted in Economic Development Bill

NOVEMBER 26, 2024

Included in the recently passed Economic Development Bill, were provisions requiring the Department of Public Health (DPH) to develop concrete public health standards so all residents have access to quality public health services. The State Action of Public Health Excellence Program, coined “SAPHE 2.0,” creates baseline expectations for the Commonwealth’s public health system, while providing resources to local and regional levels to ensure uniform practice.

To ensure consistent and robust public health practices, DPH will implement standards related to inspections; communicable disease reporting; workforce education, training, and credentialing; and more. These state-level standards will align with national standards and will be developed collaboratively between local boards of health, public health organizations, academic experts, and members of a special commission on local and regional public health.

SAPHE 2.0 applies standards to public health providers across Massachusetts, thereby making notable investments to strengthen local and regional public health infrastructure, specifically improving care in underserved communities. These improvements ensure adequate health care and public health resources for all individuals across Massachusetts, further promoting healthier lifestyles and enhancing our response capabilities against future public health emergencies.

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