The COVID-19 Pandemic Demonstrated Why CDC Needs Data Authority
DATA AUTHORITY for CDC would enable secure, privacy protecting access to public health data in a timely and coordinated way. CDC must have access to data to lead effective national responses and support state and local health departments with detecting public health threats and respond in a health emergency.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC did not have the authority to access critical data needed for situational awareness, decision making, and saving lives. Authority is an essential step to effectively identify emerging public health threats and provide important information to inform decision making and drive public health action.
It took too long to access important data when COVID struck.
- Timelineicon
SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE DATA
EARLY 2020
Under the Public Health Emergency, CDC uses existing syndromic surveillance infrastructure to robustly access and utilize zip code level data from emergency departments.BENEFITS: SYNDROMIC SURVELLANCE DATA
CDC received more complete and localized emergency department data, including pediatric and health equity data, and could better track trends. - Timelineicon
HOSPITAL DATA
MARCH 2020
CDC requests all hospitals voluntarily report capacity data on available beds and ventilators.SEPTEMBER 2020
CMS supports STLT and CDC requests to require all hospitals to report data. Compliance increased from 60% in July 2020 to 100% following this mandate.BENEFITS: HOSPITAL DATA
The number of hospitals reporting increased from 60% to 100%, improving allocation of lifesaving resources. - Timelineicon
LAB DATA (Including Race/Ethnicity)
JUNE 2020
HHS required reporting of COVID-19 test results with race and ethnicity data to state and local health departments.BENEFITS: LAB DATA
CDC went from receiving zero COVID-19 laboratory test results from jurisdictions to up to 1.5 million per day to help track the virus. - Timelineicon
VACCINE DATA
LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL 2020
Vaccine providers are universally required to report vaccine administration data, along with key information on age, gender, and race to state and local health departments.BENEFITS: VACCINE DATA
CDC gained an increased ability to identify under-vaccinated populations and address health equity concerns. - Timelineicon
NURSING HOME DATA
MAY 2021
CMS rule requires nursing homes to report staff and resident vaccination data to CDC.BENEFITS: NURSING HOME DATA
Reporting increased from 20% to 100%, allowing CDC to better analyze breakthrough infections and vaccine effectiveness.
- As of May 11, 2023, the federal COVID-19 public health emergency has ended, ending CDC’s authorization to collect certain types of public health data.