Modernizing Federal Vital Records Data Management: A New Vision for Reducing Improper Payments

Recording

Overview

The Data Foundation hosted a virtual discussion on transforming how federal agencies access and utilize vital records data to prevent improper payments. Drawing from a recent report, Unifying Federal Use of Vital Records Data: A Coordinated Approach to Mitigate Improper Payments, the event explored the Data Foundation’s proposed federal Office for Vital Records Coordination and Innovation (OVRCI) to streamline the currently fragmented system.

Vital records data – data documenting birth, death, marriage, and other vital events – are used to establish identity and verify eligibility for government benefits and financial assistance. In FY 2023, the Government Accountability Office reported $236 billion in federal improper payments, of which $35 billion were linked to issues related to vital records data. The Data Foundation’s report outlines how a new federal office could serve as a central coordinating body for vital records data.

Key discussion topics will include:

• Current challenges in federal vital records management and their impact on payment integrity
• How centralized coordination could transform data sharing between states and federal agencies
• Implementation considerations and potential benefits beyond improper payments
• Practical steps for Congress and the Executive Branch to advance this initiative

Speakers

• Corinna Turbes, Director of the Center for Data Policy, Data Foundation
• Annique Garnier, Policy and Research Analyst, Center for Data Policy, Data Foundation
• Katie O'Toole, Senior Policy and Research Analyst, Center for Data Policy, Data Foundation
• Jane Wiseman, Senior Fellow for the Center for Data Policy, Data Foundation