CO HB1157

The Department of Public Health and Environment must collect, compile, and tabulate public health data including race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity to the extent permitted by federal and state privacy laws, with no requirement for individuals to provide such information.

The Office of Health Equity must establish appropriate methods to collect and disaggregate demographic data for health disparity reports and conduct state-level strategic planning on minority health improvement for racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ populations and individuals with disabilities.

The State Board must promulgate rules by a specified deadline governing data collection requirements, demographic information standards, timeframes, and confidential health data disaggregation in compliance with privacy laws and federal contracts.

The department must publish a health disparities and inequities assessment report by July 1, 2022, and every two years thereafter, evaluating social determinants of health impact and including a data advisory working group convened by November 1, 2022, with representatives from the department, commission, and nonprofit organizations.

$360,000 is appropriated for the 2022-23 fiscal year from the general fund: $40,000 for health statistics and vital records administration, and $320,000 for disease control and immunization surveillance operating expenses.