Features

Providing Data in a Distributed Cloud Environment

BioSense 2.0 is the first Department of Health and Human Services system to move completely to a distributed cloud computing environment. This distributed environment, governed jointly by state, local, and federal representatives, provides local and state stakeholders secure data storage space and analytics tools at no cost to them. Most importantly, it provides a collaborative shared environment to advance public health surveillance practice and activities.

Sharing Data Across Jurisdictional Lines

BioSense 2.0 is the only public health surveillance system that allows state and local health departments and CDC to quickly share information with each other across city, county, or state borders. When joining BioSense, state and local health departments sign a data use agreement (DUA). The DUA allows them, along with CDC, to share data to conduct enhanced surveillance in emergencies and for events such as the presidential inauguration; the Super Bowl; or any other local, regional, or national event or emergency.

Helping State and Local Health Departments Meet Meaningful Use Requirements

BioSense 2.0 expands the capacity of state and local health departments to support the electronic health records meaningful use programs by providing a catcher’s mitt for syndromic surveillance data. Syndromic surveillance is a system for collecting and analyzing medical data to detect and monitor disease outbreaks and harmful effects of exposures to hazardous conditions. This feature gives state and local health departments access to timely data so they can implement public health interventions in their communities and across jurisdictional boundaries.