Cryan Bill Would Aid Collection of COVID-19 Demographic Data

Measure Includes Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexual Orientation in Data Reporting

Trenton – A Senate committee today approved a bill sponsored by Senator Joe Cryan to collect demographic health care data to gain a better understanding of medical conditions, including COVID-19. The bill, S-3233, would have commercial laboratories and medical record companies record and include in their reporting data information about patients’ sexual orientation and gender identity, in addition to race and ethnicity.

Under the bill, patients would not be required to disclose this information to a clinical laboratory, health care provider or other entity. The measure makes provisions so that laboratory order forms and electronic health record systems are equipped to collect the data if patients choose to provide it.

“Including this demographic information in the data profiles of patients ensures that public health records are as thorough as possible so vulnerabilities are better understood and treatment is as effective as possible,” said Senator Cryan (D-Union). “This data provides the foundation for understanding any population’s particular status and needs. This is especially important for all the unknowns surrounding COVID-19. This will help provide tracking data that can be vital for preventing infections and illness.”

The data collection will help us gain better insight into the disproportionate impact COVID-19 is having on our minority communities, Senator Cryan noted.

More specifically, the bill would require any health care related data already required by law to be reported by a clinical laboratory to include any corresponding gender identity, sexual orientation, and racial and ethnic data to be incorporated into the corresponding disease surveillance reporting system of the local or state governmental entity.

According to the legislation, the labs and hospitals would implement evidence-based cultural competency training programs for the health care professionals responsible for collecting the data so they understand and respect the patients’ personal information. The training would help create an “inclusive and affirming” environment when collecting information on patients’ race and ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity, and to explain why the information is important.

The bill was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.