WAC 246-01-020   Functions.  The department balances its three core functions to accomplish its mission:

     (1) Assessment. To regularly assess state health needs and resources, the department shall:

     (a) Collect data on health status, personal health services, and the environment;

     (b) Address major health problems in the state or community and population groups at greatest risk; availability and quality of service; resource availability; and the primary concerns of both citizens and providers; and

     (c) Make budget and program revisions based on this assessment.

     (2) Policy development. To develop and implement sound public policy, the department includes:

     (a) Knowledge gained from assessment;

     (b) Consideration of the political, organizational, and community environments;

     (c) Citizen participation; and

     (d) Cooperation with the state board of health and other state and local agencies.

     (3) Assurance. To ensure the capacity of public health agencies to manage day-to-day operations and to respond to public health emergencies, the department shall:

     (a) Provide direct support when costs to replicate services in each local area would be prohibitive;

     (b) Provide technical assistance when services can be provided more effectively by local health agencies; and

     (c) Provide quality service.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.050. 93-08-004 (Order 346), § 246-01-020, filed 3/24/93, effective 4/24/93.]