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CHS Administration Handbook 
Qualification Review Process

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Background
Review process
Contact information

While the required qualifications of the CHS administrator role haven't changed in the last 20 years (since the rules change in the late 1980's) both the role and the field of public health have changed significantly. There are concerns that the required qualification have not kept pace with the demands of the position.

Minnesota state statutes require each community health board to appoint a Community Health Services administrator. Minn. R. § 4736.0110 sets forth minimum required qualifications for CHS administrators to ensure qualified public health leadership at the local level. A recent in-depth study conducted by the State Community Health Services Advisory Committee (SCHSAC) stated,

"Today's public health field is increasingly demanding and complex. It requires strong—qualified, authoritative, and responsible—leadership… [CHS administrators] should have clear roles, responsibilities and authorities which are documented, shared and visible."

The report recommended additional qualifications for CHS administrators, which reflect the complexity of current public health practice and the competencies needed for effective local leadership.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will review the education and experience of all incoming CHS administrators to ensure each meets minimum qualifications outlined in Minn. R. 4736.0110. Community health boards must be in compliance with requirements set out in Minn. Stat. § 145A and Minn. R. 4736.0110 in order to maintain eligibility for MDH funding. Furthermore, community health boards are strongly encouraged—but not required—to appoint CHS administrators who meet the Tier 3 core competencies [Public Health Foundation] for public health leaders as recommended by SCHSAC.

At times, community health boards may wish to appoint an individual to serve as the CHS administrator on an interim basis. The interim appointee must still meet the minimum qualification requirements, and is subject to an MDH review of qualifications.

1. On an ongoing basis, MDH will provide information and education to community health boards to help them understand CHS administrator qualification requirements, and to make them aware that all incoming administrators are subject to a review of qualifications. Methods shall include periodic trainings, informational materials, and a reminder letter to community health board chair when a leadership transition is anticipated.
2. The Center for Public Health Practice at MDH must be informed in writing whenever a community health board appoints a new CHS administrator. The correspondence should include a copy of the community health board resolution appointing the administrator.
3. MDH will send a letter to the newly appointed CHS administrator requesting a copy of their resume or Curriculum Vitae, and any other supporting documentation that helps summarize their educational qualifications and relevant work experience.
4. MDH will promptly review the resume, using the criteria outlined in subparts 1-4 of Minn. R. 4736.0110, and may request additional information or documentation as needed.
5. MDH will inform the new CHS administrator and the chair of the community health board of the results of this review in writing, within 30 days of receipt.
   1. If the prospective administrator is found to meet the required qualifications, s/he and the community health board chair will be notified in writing (via a welcome letter).
   2. If the qualifications of the prospective CHS administrator are found to be deficient, s/he will be notified in writing, and MDH will work with the community health board to identify a qualified candidate within the jurisdiction.

Please contact the MDH Center for Public Health Practice with any notification, questions or comments pertaining to this process.

Center for Public Health Practice
Minnesota Department of Health
PO Box 64975
Saint Paul, MN 55164-0975
Phone: 651-201-3880
Email: health.ophp@state.mn.us

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