NAPHSIS is the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems. It represents US vital records and public health statistics offices.
What is NAPHSIS?
NAPHSIS is a nonprofit organization representing state and local US vital records and public health statistics offices. It helps set standards and support best practices for how vital records (like birth and death certificates) are issued, protected, and shared across the US.
NAPHSIS was formed in 1933 and is currently incorporated in the District of Columbia, though its headquarters are in Silver Spring, Maryland.
What does NAPHSIS do?
NAPHSIS plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the United States' vital records and statistics system. Here are three of its main benefits:
Educates policymakers
NAPHSIS educates policymakers on the importance of vital records management. It does this by providing the following:
- Technical assistance and training
- Educational programs
- Access to resources
Protects identity
Vital records, such as birth certificates, are official government documents usually needed for legal or administrative reasons, such as applying for a passport. NAPHSIS ensures documents are issued through safe, secure processes to prevent identity theft and fraud.
Promotes public health
Birth and death certificates contain important information that helps evaluate public health. This is then used to tackle national health issues, and improve public health services and education.
NAPHSIS Systems
NAPHSIS uses multiple systems to help manage and develop the United States' vital records and statistics databases. The two main ones are:
- EVVE (Electronic Verification of Vital Events): This verifies someone’s birth and death information via national databases. For example, NAPHSIS’s Fact of Death service lets federal, state, and private agencies immediately confirm a death with limited details.
- STEVE (State and Territorial Exchange of Vital Events): This lets vital records offices securely share interstate data. This is important when certain events (births and deaths) occur outside a person’s home state, and helps ensure accurate reporting.
