Before a group of public health units may be designated as a regional public health network and eligible for state funding, the department shall review the joint powers agreement the public health units entered and verify that:

1. The regional public health network consists of: a. At least two public health units serving a minimum population of fifteen thousand; or b. A minimum of three public health units.

2. The joint powers agreement requires that the participating public health units: a. Assess the health of the population; b. Identify workplan activities that meet the needs of the region; c. Comply with requirements adopted by rule; d. Meet department maintenance of effort funding requirements, which must be calculated based on each unit's dollar or mill levy public health unit contribution in the most recent calendar year; and e. Share core public health activities and measure outcomes in accordance with subsection 3.

3. The joint powers agreement requires: a. Evidence that network activities align with prevailing health status and community needs; b. Shared or expanded services, including the core public health activities of: (1) Preventing epidemics and spread of disease; (2) Protecting against environmental hazards; (3) Preventing injuries; (4) Promoting health behaviors; (5) Responding to disasters; and (6) Assuring the quality and accessibility of health services; c. Assurance of network performance measurement to demonstrate capacity, process, or health outcomes; d. Criteria for the future participation of public health units that were not parties to the original joint powers agreement; e. An application process by which public health units that were not parties to the original joint powers agreement may become participating districts; and f. A process by which public health units that were not parties to the original joint powers agreement may appeal a decision to deny an application to participate in the agreement to the department.

4. The joint powers agreement provides for the structure of the governing body of the network.