Improving DATA in Public Health Act
Latest action (24 Mar 2022): Introduced
What this bill does
The Improving DATA in Public Health Act would amend the Public Health Service Act to strengthen how public health information is collected, shared, and standardized across federal, state, local, and tribal health systems. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to designate data and technology standards for electronic case reporting, disease surveillance, vital statistics, and lab test reporting within two years, and directs a federal study on laboratory data standards. It also authorizes the CDC to require certain public health data reporting from providers, laboratories, health departments, and health information networks, while limiting requests to necessary information and allowing certain identifiable data to be exempted from public disclosure. Additionally, it establishes a competitive grant program to help health care providers and organizations improve collection of demographic and other health data.
The bill affects federal health agencies (HHS, CDC, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT), as well as hospitals, laboratories, health care providers, health information exchanges, and state, local, and tribal health departments, all of which would face new or updated data-reporting and data-sharing expectations. Community organizations, academic medical centers, and tribal and urban Indian health organizations could also apply for grants under the bill to improve health data practices, particularly around demographic data collection tied to reducing health disparities.
The bill was introduced in the Senate in March 2022 and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; it did not advance as standalone legislation. According to the Congressional Research Service, its provisions were later incorporated into other bills that were enacted into law.
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.
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 S. 3913 do?
- The Improving DATA in Public Health Act would amend the Public Health Service Act to strengthen how public health information is collected, shared, and standardized across federal, state, local, and tribal health systems. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to designate data and technology standards for electronic case reporting, disease surveillance, vital statistics, and lab test reporting within two years, and directs a federal study on laboratory data standards. It also authorizes the CDC to require certain public health data reporting from providers, laboratories, health departments, and health information networks, while limiting requests to necessary information and allowing certain identifiable data to be exempted from public disclosure. Additionally, it establishes a competitive grant program to help health care providers and organizations improve collection of demographic and other health data. The bill affects federal health agencies (HHS, CDC, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT), as well as hospitals, laboratories, health care providers, health information exchanges, and state, local, and tribal health departments, all of which would face new or updated data-reporting and data-sharing expectations. Community organizations, academic medical centers, and tribal and urban Indian health organizations could also apply for grants under the bill to improve health data practices, particularly around demographic data collection tied to reducing health disparities. The bill was introduced in the Senate in March 2022 and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; it did not advance as standalone legislation. According to the Congressional Research Service, its provisions were later incorporated into other bills that were enacted into law.
- Has S. 3913 become law?
- Not yet. As of 24 Mar 2022, S. 3913 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 3913?
- S. 3913 was sponsored by Sen. Timothy “Tim” Kaine [D-VA] (Democrat-VA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3913?
- Introduced (24 Mar 2022).
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