In March 2024, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) updated Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD 15), which governs federal data collection on race and ethnicity. The new standards introduce a separate Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) category, integrate questions on racial and ethnic identities, and emphasize best practices like self-reporting and detailed categories. These revisions aim to enhance the quality and consistency of demographic data, particularly for health care equity, though they alone won't address all health inequities. The implementation will involve both federal agencies and private-sector entities, with challenges including outdated systems and the need for trust in data use. Click here for article.
New Standards Overview: SPD 15 now includes a separate MENA category and integrates racial and ethnic identity questions, emphasizing self-reporting and detailed response options to improve data quality.
Impact on Health Care Data: The revisions are expected to improve consistency and accuracy in health care demographic data, potentially addressing racial and ethnic health care disparities more effectively.
Private-Sector Role: Health plans and private-sector organizations are crucial for implementing the new standards and using data to address health inequities. Coordination between federal agencies and these entities is essential.
Challenges and Needs: Implementation will require significant resources and coordination due to outdated systems and the need to build trust. Additionally, broader actions beyond data collection, such as accountability measures and further research, are necessary to address health inequities comprehensively.
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