To ensure the prudent and faithful stewardship of public health funds, the Kentucky Health Departments Association (KHDA) advocates and supports the need for a strong and purposeful system of accountability. Increased efficiency, productivity and better health related outcomes are the natural results of the effective internal controls and well-stated, well-established, management standards that help assure and maintain accountability. Accountability is the method whereby the public trust is earned. It is this earned trust, which maintains the resources needed to protect the health of our Commonwealth.

The foundation for accountability within public health is in place. The mechanism that improve the health of our communities and the responsible use of resources are included in the internal and external processes established within local health departments and by the Department for Health Services. Internal quality assurance programs provide operational tests. Assurances for standards of care are monitored through program reviews conducted by local and state departments. External financial audits, conducted and published yearly, guarantee public and private accountability for the fiscal management of all local health systems. Annual budgets linked to stated goals and objectives are reviewed, evaluated and approved at local and state levels. Financial management systems are based on generally accepted and proved accounting procedures and policies with intricate checks and balances.

The components of accountability, high standards of care and sound management practices are the principles to which local health departments aspire. A more equitable distribution and integration of accountability and the acknowledgment of equal ownership and responsibility at all levels of public health can result in the greater protection - and improved use - of public health funds.

The Kentucky Health Departments Association holds the position that the public health system of Kentucky will be made stronger through establishing an equal accountability partnership among local and state public health entities.

Economic and performance pressures provide compelling reasons for working together to effect clearly discernible health outcomes that are being monitored in both sectors. Collaborative relationships allow each sector to achieve goals more efficiently as well as more effectively. Mutual accountability is of utmost importance in achieving the responsible fiscal and administrative management of preventative health care recognized as needed to ensure the protection of the health and welfare of Kentucky citizens.

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