VRHS Accreditation
What is VRHS Accreditation?
Vital Records and Health Statistics (VRHS) Accreditation is a national program that recognizes the quality and performance of VRHS Units across the United States and its territories. Led by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) in partnership with NAPHSIS, the program ensures that these units follow clear, high standards for collecting, managing, issuing, and protecting identity and public health data.
Why is it Important?
Accreditation plays a critical role in strengthening the integrity and reliability of vital records systems. Here's why it matters:
- Promotes consistency in how identity and public health data are collected and secured across jurisdictions.
- Builds public trust by demonstrating a commitment to quality, transparency, and accountability.
- Enhances data quality for public health surveillance, research, and policy-making.
- Encourages continuous improvement through standardized practices and performance benchmarks.
- Supports emergency preparedness by ensuring systems are resilient and responsive.
PHAB is now accepting applications for VRHS Accreditation.
Learn More About the Program
To explore program requirements—including the fee schedule, PHAB VRHS Standards and Measures, and the VRHS Accreditation Guide—please visit the PHAB website.
Who Can Apply
VRHS Units in the 57 jurisdictional areas recognized by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) under the National Vital Statistics Cooperative Program (VSCP) are eligible to apply. These are:
- All 50 U.S. States
- District of Columbia
- New York City
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
NOTE: PHAB also administers state and territorial health department accreditation, which is a separate and complementary process and program from VRHS Accreditation. A state or territorial health department does not need to be PHAB-accredited for its VRHS Unit to apply. The VRHS Accreditation Standards and Measures apply equally to all eligible units, regardless of organizational structure.
Support & Resources
NAPHSIS offers a range of support to help VRHS Units prepare for accreditation:
- Self-guided tools and resources available in the Info Hub
- One-on-one consultation and technical assistance from NAPHSIS staff
- Bi-monthly group calls
- Enhanced Technical Assistance
More resources are being developed—check back regularly as you move through the accreditation process.
For personalized assistance or more information on how you can participate, email us at vrhsaccred@naphsis.org
Become a VRHS Site Visitor
PHAB’s VRHS Accreditation program depends on volunteer peer reviewers to evaluate documentation and conduct site visits. This is a great opportunity to:
- Network with public health leaders
- Gain in-depth knowledge of the accreditation process
- Contribute to strengthening public health systems
A virtual training for site visitors is coming soon. If you or someone you know has experience in State or Territorial VRHS, we encourage you to apply.