Two counties submit data on disk using standard data definitions that EMS created. The primary users of the data are policymakers and medical directors whom use the data for analysis of types of care and related outcomes and for quality assurance efforts. Medical directors also use the information to monitor professional skill levels that are used in certain areas. Birth certificate data have been collected since 1964. The data have been submitted electronically from state hospitals since 1994.
Hospitals submit birth data within ten days of a birth.
Data are maintained on a state mainframe with the Department of Information Services. Variables collected on the birth records include basic birth certificate information, such as date of birth, name, parents' social security numbers, and education, address, race, birth weight, time birth, place of birth, attendant information, and risk factors. No patient identifier is noted on the birth records. The primary uses for the birth certificate data are to issue certified copies of birth certificates and to produce statistical reports. Birth data will also be used to populate the immunization registry , and birth data are linked annually by hand with death certificate data, using name and other common variables.