Pillars of Governmental Environmental Public Health | A Guide to Scalable Environmental Public Health Programs
handler permits for individual workers, which require reg- ular renewal. Fee-funded programs that achieve self-suf- ficiency can provide more reliable revenue streams and can offer protection from staffing and service reductions during budget constraints. Approaches to fees vary across jurisdictions. Some are set through state statutes with local regulatory imple- mentation, some use commissioning boards with estab- lished processes for fee determination, others implement sliding scales based on establishment gross receipts, and some conduct periodic fee assessments tied to population growth and program costs. Gradual fee increases tend to be more acceptable to the reg- ulated community than substantial periodic adjustments.
For example, annual modest increases could generate less resistance than larger increases every 3–5 years. Similarly, incremental staffing increases of 0.5 FTE can be more man - ageable for both budgeting and workforce development. External factors can influence fee structures and program operations. Competition with neighboring jurisdictions might constrain fee-setting flexibility, with some fees remaining static for extended periods. Lack of reciprocity agreements or memoranda of understanding between adjacent health agencies can create additional burdens for mobile food vendors, who need to obtain separate permits and inspections for each jurisdiction where they operate. These factors can result in fee structures driven by exter- nal competitive pressures rather than internal program needs and community requirements.
Swimming Pools and Recreational Water Safety
Program Overview and Core Services/Activities
PROGRAM
RECOMMENDED WORKLOAD
EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
EQUIPMENT
KEY METRICS
Swimming Pools and Recreational Water
3–4 inspections per field day
• Bachelor’s in science • Certified Pool Operator • REHS/RS credential
• Pool chemistry test kits
• Number of inspections completed • Number of
• Tape measures • Optical scanners • Laboratory access • Cameras • Mobile technology and inspection forms
critical violations • Closure frequency
Definition An EPH swimming pools and recreational water safety program conducts health, safety, and structural assess- ments of recreational water venues such as public swimming pools and beaches to identify and mitigate imminent health and safety threats. Program activities include evaluating pool areas and surrounding infrastruc- ture such as decks, handrails, ladders, and fencing for compliance with safety standards. These programs also respond to sewage or toxic chemical spills affecting rec- reational water sources and conduct water quality test- ing to monitor bacterial contamination levels and ensure safe recreational water conditions for public use.
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