HHS Data CouncilHHS Data CouncilBackground: As part of the REGO2 efforts, the Department developed a department-wide health data initiative and a survey integration plan focusing on health related data collection. We began evaluating health surveys to find opportunities for consolidation and coordination. Development of the overall survey integration plan has been completed, and implementation of the first step, consolidating the NHIS and NMES, is well underway. The plan calls for continued evaluation of additional health surveys. At the same time, recent changes in the budget climate have put some of this plan at risk. A number of reforms are being considered in Congress which would change the nature and structure of many federal health and social programs, particularly those now administered through the states. To assure the capability to monitor the implementation and effects of these changes on systems and populations, the Secretary has asked the heads of STAFFDIVs and OPDIVs to focus on this area as a department-wide priority issue for FY 1996 research, evaluation and data planning.
Objective 1: Implement the Survey Integration Plan and expand the effort to include additional HHS needs for health and social services data. The Data Council should direct and push this effort, taking an active role in oversight and policy guidance. The immediate budget issues should be resolved, and Department-wide data priorities should be set for future years, based on Data Council recommendations. This objective is being handled by the Working Group on Survey Integration.
Objective 2: Coordinate HHS data strategy to support the Secretary's Initiative on Research, Evaluation and Data Planning. The HHS Data Council would serve as the focal point for assuring that HHS data needs identified in the Secretary's initiative are addressed in a coordinated, cost-effective fashion. This activity would coordinate with the work of the Survey Integration Plan.
Background: One of the biggest issues for health data today is the lack of shared data standards. The lack of shared standards increases paperwork and data collection burdens, and reduces the analytic potential of health data. Without consistent use of data standards, there is little ability to make multiple uses of or link data, and HHS data may be of only limited use to our public and private data customers and State partners, and vice versa. The need for shared health data standards encompasses the need for better agreement on common health data vocabularies, assurances of privacy, and other issues surrounding electronic transmission of information. The need for shared data standards goes well beyond HHS; the private sector and the states have been urging the federal government to provide leadership in this area. Other federal agencies are affected as well.
Objective 1: Advance efforts to coordinate health data standards within HHS, within the Federal government, and with state and local agencies and the private sector. This objective is being handled by the Data Council Committee on Health Data Standards.
Background: HHS recently rechartered the NCVHS to focus more of its efforts on data standards and privacy issues and to explore ways to improve the compatibility of private sector, state, and federal information systems. A Federal Register notice was published announcing this new charter and calling for nominations for members to fill the 9 positions soon to become vacant.
Objective 1: Recommend appropriate foci for the NCVHS over time and propose implementation of appropriate NCVHS findings and recommendations.
Background: HHS collects and uses large volumes of information about individuals, and funds and stimulates the collection and use of such information by State and local governments, universities, health care providers, and many other public and private entities. As HHS works to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of data sharing, it will at the same time need to develop unified policies to protect the privacy of information about individuals. The designation of a Privacy Advocate to sit on the Data Council was the first step in this process.
Objective 1: Focus attention on privacy issues as they arise during the Data Council's discussions of health and social services data issues and formulation of health and social services data policies. This objective is being handled by the Interagency Working Group on Privacy.
Background: The rapid dissemination and evolution of electronic information technologies raises issues beyond those of interoperability and shared standards. Simply putting information "on line" raises a host of new issues for HHS.
Objective 1: The Data Council should coordinate and, where appropriate, develop policies and adopt and implement recommendations regarding access to and use of health and social services data available on the NII. Part of this objective is being handled by the Joint Working Group on Telemedicine.
Background: HHS is increasingly being asked for its position regarding, or other input on, issues related to health and social services information. (Examples include HHS positions and testimony on proposed legislation, recent G7 health information activities, and requests for participation from the Koop Institute. ) HHS responses and positions should be coordinated through the Data Council.
Objective 1: Coordinate responses to external requests for action on issues related to health and social services data. Part of this objective is being handled by the Working Group on International Health Data Collaboration: G7 Nations.[G7 refers to a group of seven large industrialized nations including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United States, and the United Kingdom]
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Go Back | Administrative Simplification | NCVHS | Data Council | Department of Health & Human Services |
Last updated 7/24/96.
