More Better Faster

Vital Records in a Nutshell

Vital records are permanent legal records of life events such as births, deaths, marriages and divorces.

A Flawless System

In an ideal vital statistics system, skilled employees would utilize a modernized, electronic infrastructure to deliver data that is accurate, consistent, timely and accessible. This national system would seamlessly interface with a patient’s electronic health records and cater to the needs of its users.

Challenges to Consider

This report lists specific challenges that enhancement efforts must address in order to speed the release of vital statistics. Some challenges include: Inconsistent or nonexistent protocols for collecting data; having both electronic and paper-based registration processes still in play; and a need to professionally develop strong leaders who will champion system upgrades.

A Faster Fix

The experts agree that as a first step toward faster data flow, vital records jurisdictions should offer professional development to two groups of employees: data providers and the next wave of vital records leaders.

Tomorrow's Target

In the longer term, vital records jurisdictions should continue working toward adopting an electronic registration system. If resources are limited — and switching from paper just isn’t possible — experts propose pursuing two interim actions. These are: 1) analyzing the costs and benefits of electronic systems to help prioritize future investments; and 2) identifying data providers who have embraced the electronic format and are willing to sing its praises to their paper-wielding counterparts.

Model Move: Oregon

Readers will learn about the innovative solutions that one jurisdiction — Oregon — embraced in pursuit of faster data flow.