American Samoa § 13.0234 - Development of a public health workforce.

§ 13.0234. Development of a public health workforce.

(a) The department may provide voluntary accreditation programs for cooperating ASG agencies, public and private sector partners and volunteers based on the ability of a person or agency assisting the department in providing essential public health services and functions. (b) The department and the director may identify and encourage community or village leaders to work through the department to develop, administer, and fulfill the requirements of this act and ensure the efficient and expedient providing of essential public health services and functions. (c) Consistent with any national system of public health workforce certification or credentialing, the department may recognize, adopt or administer certification or credentialing programs for department personnel, ASG agencies, public and private sector partners and volunteers. These programs should be designed to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in relevant and contemporary public health practice areas, and may be based on: (1) Basic, core, or technical competencies (and corresponding curriculum) for public health workers; or (2) Professional codes for public health professionals. (d) The department may directly, or in conjunction with educational institutions or ASG agencies, make available or assure effective programs, continuing education, or other tools, including distance learning, internet or similar media components, for training ASG agency personnel, public and private sector partners and volunteers. Any person assisting the department may be required by the department to meet minimal training requirements to assist the individual in providing essential public health services and functions.