Transforming the public health information infrastructure.

The public health information infrastructure is undergoing a transformation that is enabled by changes in health care informatics. The implementation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, the patient medical record information standards, and National Health Information Infrastructure (NHII) recommendations by the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics provide the basis for improved data reporting to public health agencies. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services should provide leadership and resources for this transformation. Newly available federal resources will have the greatest effect on improving the information infrastructure if there is a strong commitment to developing and implementing public health data standards that build upon the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System.