Improving DATA in Public Health Act
Latest action (21 Jul 2022): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 8481, the Improving DATA in Public Health Act, would amend the Public Health Service Act to strengthen how public health data is collected, standardized, and shared. It requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate data and technology standards for electronic health information exchange—covering case reporting, syndromic surveillance, vital statistics, and lab test reporting—within two years, and to ensure these standards support accurate collection of demographic data such as race, ethnicity, disability status, and housing status. It also directs a study on laboratory reporting standards, promotes updated data-sharing agreements among federal, state, local, and Tribal health agencies, creates a new CDC authority to require public health data reporting from providers, labs, and health departments (with privacy protections), and establishes an advisory committee on public health data sharing. The bill authorizes $10 million annually (FY2023–2025) for grants to improve data collection practices and reduce health disparities.
The bill primarily affects federal health agencies (HHS, CDC, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT), state/local/Tribal health departments, health care providers, laboratories, and health IT vendors, by setting new reporting standards and data-sharing expectations. It aims to improve the completeness, timeliness, and consistency of public health data, particularly during public health emergencies, while including provisions to protect individual privacy and limit unnecessary duplication of reporting.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 21, 2022, by Rep. Lauren Underwood and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It did not receive a vote before the end of the 117th Congress, meaning it did not become law and would need to be reintroduced in a future Congress to be considered further.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Improving Data Accessibility Through Advancements in Public Health Act or the Improving DATA in Public Health Act
This bill addresses the collection and reporting of public health data with a particular focus on electronic health information.
Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must designate data and technology standards for public health data systems no later than two years after enactment of this act. These standards must, among other requirements, align with standards designated by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). In addition, the ONC must study matters concerning the use of standards for certain laboratory information.
Further, the CDC may require, subject to some limits, additional reporting of public health and health care data by health care providers, health departments, and other entities for public health surveillance. The CDC must establish a committee to advise on the implementation of this reporting.
Additionally, the bill addresses agreements regarding access to, exchange of, and use of public health data, including for public health preparedness and response activities. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must develop or update interagency agreements while the CDC and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response may develop and update agreements with health departments and other nonfederal entities.
The bill also requires HHS to award grants and other support for developing and disseminating best practices to collect electronic health information. Entities eligible for the awards include state, tribal, and local governments; health care providers; and nonprofits.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8481 do?
- H.R. 8481, the Improving DATA in Public Health Act, would amend the Public Health Service Act to strengthen how public health data is collected, standardized, and shared. It requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate data and technology standards for electronic health information exchange—covering case reporting, syndromic surveillance, vital statistics, and lab test reporting—within two years, and to ensure these standards support accurate collection of demographic data such as race, ethnicity, disability status, and housing status. It also directs a study on laboratory reporting standards, promotes updated data-sharing agreements among federal, state, local, and Tribal health agencies, creates a new CDC authority to require public health data reporting from providers, labs, and health departments (with privacy protections), and establishes an advisory committee on public health data sharing. The bill authorizes $10 million annually (FY2023–2025) for grants to improve data collection practices and reduce health disparities. The bill primarily affects federal health agencies (HHS, CDC, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT), state/local/Tribal health departments, health care providers, laboratories, and health IT vendors, by setting new reporting standards and data-sharing expectations. It aims to improve the completeness, timeliness, and consistency of public health data, particularly during public health emergencies, while including provisions to protect individual privacy and limit unnecessary duplication of reporting. The bill was introduced in the House on July 21, 2022, by Rep. Lauren Underwood and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It did not receive a vote before the end of the 117th Congress, meaning it did not become law and would need to be reintroduced in a future Congress to be considered further.
- Has H.R. 8481 become law?
- Not yet. As of 21 Jul 2022, H.R. 8481 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 8481?
- H.R. 8481 was sponsored by Rep. Lauren Underwood [D-IL14] (Democrat-IL), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8481?
- Introduced (21 Jul 2022).
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