JURISDICTIONS

Our members are compromised of employees of the 57 state and territorial vital record offices throughout the United States, commonly referred to as jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction is tasked with recording all vital events that occur within their jurisdiction. Certified copies issued for these official records provide the foundation for identity and the data collected are the backbone for public health surveillance and research. The collection and certification of vital events is a multifaceted process and includes data providers from hospitals, birth centers, physicians, and funeral homes for example. Using electronic registration systems has improved the process for many, but not all jurisdictions have such systems.

Most jurisdictions acquire electronic registration systems from one of several vendors, although some states develop one with internal information technology resources. These systems are complex and must support national standards while also accommodating the laws, regulations and business practices of the individual jurisdiction. The improved efficiency within vital records agencies justifies the considerable cost and effort of implementing an electronic registration system.

ELECTRONIC BIRTH REGISTRATION SYSTEM (EBRS)

Your birth record contains more than just your name and the names of your parents. Important health information that informs public health programs is also included.

Most jurisdictions use an Electronic Birth Registration System (EBRS) for all the processing related to birth certificates. An EBRS performs the following functions:

Allows hospitals and birthing centers to enter all the information required on the jurisdiction's birth certificate. Most birth certificates are now based on the 2003 US Standard Birth Certificate.
Provides for acknowledgment of paternity, legal amendments, adoptions and other changes that may affect the information contained on the birth certificate.
Supports the secure issuance of certified copies of the birth certificate, which are used as proof of age and citizenship when obtaining documents such as passports and driver licenses.
Makes data available for reporting and analysis of vital statistics, surveillance, and other public health and administrative needs.
Secures birth data to prevent unauthorized use or alteration.

Effective use of an EBRS means that your birth certificate can be issued more quickly. It also helps ensure that the information in your birth record is accurate. The system checks automatically for many types of errors and prevents unauthorized access or alterations to your information.

MAP OF JURISDICTIONS USING EBRS

ELECTRONIC DEATH REGISTRATION SYSTEM (EDRS)

The data collected on a death certificate contain important "Cause of Death" information that is used to inform public health programs. To find out more about how the data are used, visit our Public Health Statistics page.

Most jurisdictions use an EDRS for all the processing related to death certificates. An EDRS performs the following functions:

Allows funeral homes to enter the personal and demographic information on the state's death certificate. Most death certificates are now based on the 2003 US Standard Death Certificate.
Gives the ability for medical certifiers (such as physicians and medical examiners) to enter and certify information regarding the cause and manner of death.
Provides for legal and medical amendments that may affect the information contained on the death certificate.
Supports the secure issuance of certified copies of the death certificate, which are used to verify death, terminate Social Security and other payments, settle estates, and collect insurance and other benefits.
Makes data available for reporting and analysis of vital statistics, surveillance, and other public health and administrative needs.
Secures death information to protect it from unauthorized use or alteration.

Effective use of an EDRS means that death certificates can be issued more quickly for insurance claims and other benefit or property issues. It also helps ensure the accuracy of the death record. The system checks automatically for many types of errors and prevents unauthorized access or alterations to the information.

Electronic systems also help public health professionals analyze data more quickly and thoroughly to track outbreaks and trends that affect our health.

MAP OF JURISDICTIONS USING EDRS