Ensuring a Data-Driven Response to COVID-19 and Future Public Health Threats
Jan 26, 2021
Signed by: Joe Biden
Signed on: Jan 21, 2021
Published on: Jan 26, 2021
Jan 26, 2021
Signed by: Joe Biden
Signed on: Jan 21, 2021
Published on: Jan 26, 2021
Summary
Makes government agencies work together to collect and share health data to fight COVID-19 and future sicknesses using the best science available.
What problem does this solve?
The response to major health crises like COVID-19 was slowed by poor data sharing between government groups. This order creates a system for agencies to share health information quickly and openly to guide decisions and keep the public informed.
What does this order do?
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Enhancing data collection and collaboration capabilities for high-consequence public health threats, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Appoints agency data leads
Requires major federal departments to name a senior official who will lead their agency's work on COVID-19 and pandemic-related data.
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Enhancing data collection and collaboration capabilities for high-consequence public health threats, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coordinates data sharing
Directs the COVID-19 Response Coordinator to bring together different agencies to coordinate the collection and sharing of data with state, local, and tribal authorities.
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Enhancing data collection and collaboration capabilities for high-consequence public health threats, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reviews and improves open data rules
Orders a review of the government's current approach to open data and asks for new guidance on how to make COVID-19 data public quickly and safely.
Reviews public health data systems
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review how well current public health data systems work together and report on areas for improvement.
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Enhancing data collection and collaboration capabilities for high-consequence public health threats, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speeds up hiring of tech experts
Directs a review of the government's ability to quickly hire people for technology and data-related jobs to help fight public health threats.
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Advancing innovation in public health data and analytics.
Develops a plan for data innovation
Tasks the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy with creating a plan to advance new ideas in public health data and analysis.
Who does this affect?
- Federal government agencies
- State, local, and Tribal governments
- Public health officials and researchers
What is the real world impact?
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Creates a unified federal response
Establishes a coordinated effort across all government agencies to manage public health crises. This ensures that decisions are based on shared, reliable data rather than being handled by separate departments in different ways.
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Increases public trust and transparency
Makes health data more available to the public and local governments. This helps people understand the pandemic response and fights the spread of false information.
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Addresses potential privacy issues
While promoting open data, the order also requires protections for private, personal, and national security information. Critics might worry that sharing large amounts of health data could risk individual privacy, even if it is made anonymous.
When does this start?
This order takes effect immediately on January 21, 2021, with agencies required to act quickly on its directives.