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Health care industry

Healthcare Research and Quality Agency Seeks Approval for Data Collection Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has published a notice in the Federal Register announcing its intention to request approval for the reinstatement of an information collection project, titled "Online Application Order Form for Products from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project HCUP." This project aims to allow restricted public release and tracking of eight types of databases containing anonymous information from hospital discharge records. The proposed changes include a redesigned application form and a reduction of data use agreements to one nationwide and one state version.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is seeking approval to reinstate an information collection project, titled "Online Application Order Form for Products from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project HCUP."
  • The project aims to allow restricted public release and tracking of eight types of databases containing anonymous information from hospital discharge records.
  • The HCUP databases are annual files providing encounter-level information from 1988, including data on inpatient care and outpatient care such as emergency care and ambulatory surgeries.
  • To access the HCUP databases, applicants must complete a web-based training course, review and sign two data use agreements, and complete an online application form.
  • The proposed changes to the project include a redesigned application form and a reduction of data use agreements to one nationwide and one state version.
  • The total estimated burden for applicants to complete these steps is 1,050 hours annually, with an estimated cost burden of $102,921.
  • The public may submit comments on the notice until October 10, 2025.

Statistics:

  • 1,050 hours annually: the total estimated burden for applicants to complete the steps to access the HCUP databases.
  • $102,921: the estimated cost burden annually for applicants to complete the steps to access the HCUP databases.
  • 8: the number of types of databases containing anonymous information from hospital discharge records that are part of the proposed project.
  • 1988: the year from which the HCUP databases provide encounter-level information, including data on inpatient care and outpatient care.

Sources:

  • "Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request" (Federal Register, September 10, 2025)
  • "Online Application Order Form for Products from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project HCUP" (Federal Register, September 10, 2025)
  • "HCUP (Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project)" (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website)

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