[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7118-7123]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-3439]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of 
Authority

    Part C (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) of the 
Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority of 
the Department of Health and Human Services (45 FR 67772-76, dated 
October 14, 1980, and corrected at 45 FR 69296, October 20, 1980, as 
amended most recently at 67 FR 70088-70089, dated November 20, 2002) is 
amended to reorganize the Office of Vital and Health Statistics 
Systems, NCHS.
    Section C-B, Organization and Functions, is hereby amended as 
follows:
    Delete in its entirety the functional statement for the Office of 
Vital and Health Statistics Systems and insert the following:
    The Division of Vital Statistics (CS5). Plans and administers 
complex data collection systems and conducts a program of methodologic 
and substantive public health research activities based on the 
nationwide collection of data from vital records, follow back surveys, 
and demographic surveys of people in the childbearing ages. (1) 
Participates in the development of policy, long-range plans, and 
programs of the Center; (2) directs, plans, and coordinates the vital 
statistics program of the United States; (3) administers the vital 
statistics cooperative program, including the National Death Index; (4) 
develops standards for vital statistics data collection including 
electronic systems, data reduction, and tabulation; (5) interprets, 
classifies, and compiles complex demographic, economic, health, and 
medical data; (6) serves as the United States representative to the 
World Health Organization (WHO), regarding the International 
Classification of Diseases (ICD) for mortality data and the 
classification and coding of cause of death; (7) conducts research to 
determine cross-national comparability of causes of death to further 
enhance the ICD and make appropriate recommendations to WHO; (8) 
conducts research on data collection methodology, survey methodology, 
data quality and reliability, and statistical computation as related to 
vital and survey statistics; (9) conducts multidisciplinary research 
directed toward development of new scientific knowledge on the 
demographics of reproduction, natality, and mortality; (10) performs 
theoretical and experimental investigations into the content of the 
vital statistics data collection effort; (11) develops sophisticated 
approaches to making vital statistics data available to users, 
including techniques to avoid disclosure of confidential data; (12) 
conducts descriptive analyses and sophisticated multivariate analyses 
that integrate vital statistics data across multiple surveys or data 
sets; (13) provides technical assistance and consultation to 
international, State, and local offices with vital registration 
responsibilities on vital registration, vital statistics, and data 
processing; (14) researches, designs, develops, and implements state-
of-the-art computing systems for collecting, storing, and retrieving 
vital records and for subsequent analysis and dissemination; (15) 
conducts methodological research on the tools for evaluation, 
utilization, and presentation of vital statistics and related survey 
data and medical classification; (16) produces and publishes a wide 
variety of vital statistics analytic reports and tabulations in 
multiple formats; (17) develops and sustains collaborative partnerships 
within NCHS, CDC, DHHS, and externally with public, private, domestic 
and international entities on vital statistics programs.
    Office of the Director (CS51). (1) Participates in the development 
of policy, long-range plans, and programs of the Center; (2) provides 
leadership for the monitoring and statistical evaluation of national 
vital statistics; (3) directs, plans, and coordinates the statistical 
and research activities of the Division; (4) develops and administers a 
research and analytic program in registration and vital statistics; (5) 
develops policy, practices, and management for the Nation Death Index 
program; (6) plans and conducts a program to improve the vital 
registration and statistics program of the U.S.; (7) conducts studies 
of new vital registration techniques; (8) recommends content and format 
of model legislation, regulations, standard certificates, and other 
aids to registration systems; (9) provides international leadership and 
consultation on vital registration and statistics issues to other 
countries; and (10) establishes collaborative partnerships within NCHS, 
CDC, DHHS, and externally with public, private, domestic and 
international entities on vital statistics programs.
    Systems, Programming, and Statistical Resources Branch (CS55). (1) 
Conducts research into the design, development, and administration of 
vital statistics information technology systems; (2) performs systems 
analysis and computer programming of vital registration data; (3) 
develops technologies, data architectures, security infrastructure, and 
database management related to vital records, record linkage, and 
sample surveys consistent with Center and Agency information technology 
requirements; (4) develops, maintains, and employs state-of-the-art 
information technologies (e.g., relational data bases, Web-enabled 
applications, applications development and dissemination activities) 
associated with vital statistics; (5) develops and maintains systems 
and databases to support the National Death Index program; (6) provides 
consultation and expert technical assistance to the Division concerning 
mainframe, client-server, and networking applications; (7) prepares and 
maintains population databases as well as conducts studies on 
statistical computation and data quality; (8) designs and implements 
information technology applications to produce final edited and imputed 
vital statistics and survey data; (9) produces and distributes wide 
variety of vital statistics reports and tabulations in multiple 
formats; (10) provides consultation, policy guidance and expert 
technical assistance NCHS-wide as well as to a broad range of agencies, 
institutions, federal, local and international governments, 
researchers, and individuals, in regard to vital statistics systems 
design, administration, and usage; and (11) manages national vital 
statistics data files and databases and the DVS vital statistics data 
request program.
    Mortality Medical Classification Branch (CS56). (1) Develops 
medical classification software and procedures for collecting and 
processing of mortality medical data in states and at NCHS; (2) 
provides leadership to the international community in the use and 
adoption of automated mortality medical classification systems; (3) 
directs a comprehensive program of technical assistance and 
consultation

[[Page 7119]]

related to medical mortality data classification to states, local 
areas, other countries, and private organizations; (4) tests, refines, 
and updates automated coding systems that assist in production of 
mortality data; (5) conducts methodological research in data 
preparation and medical classification of mortality data; (6) provides 
nosological assistance and training, both nationally and 
internationally, in regard in International Classification of Diseases 
(ICD) information for mortality and new revisions of the ICD; (7) 
interprets, classifies, codes, keys, and verifies medical and 
demographic information of value to researchers and public policy 
officials; (8) develops and implements training programs for cause-of-
death coding and provides technical assistance to international, 
federal, state, and local government and non-government agencies.
    Mortality Statistics Branch (CS53). (1) Establishes the research 
agenda for mortality statistics in response to public health 
priorities; (2) converts identified data needs into statistical and 
research programs to obtain, evaluate, analyze, and disseminate 
mortality statistics data; (3) conducts research to improve data 
collection of vital records, record linkage, and sample survey 
methodologies related to mortality statistics; (4) performs theoretical 
and experimental research that improves the content of the mortality 
statistics data collection effort and the timeliness, availability, and 
quality of mortality statistics data; (5) conducts research into life 
tables methodology and produces annual and decennial U.S. and State 
life tables; (6) recommends content of U.S. Standard Certificates; (7) 
assesses disclosure risk and develops optimal data release strategies 
that improve policy analysis and decision-making; (8) prepares and 
publishes descriptive analyses as well as sophisticated multivariate 
analyses that integrate data across multiple surveys or data sets; (9) 
conducts research rated to the International Classification of Diseases 
(ICD) and cause of death classification; (10) conducts national and 
state-specific comparability studies of cause of death classification 
to facilitate the study of mortality trends across ICD revisions; (11) 
designs and conducts methodological research to improve the collection, 
production, use, and interpretation of mortality-related data; (12) 
collaborates with other agencies and organizations in the design, 
implementation, and analysis of vital records surveys; and (13) 
develops and promotes training activities related to the collection, 
production, use and interpretation of mortality statistics.
    Reproductive Statistics Branch (CS54). (1) Establishes the research 
agenda for reproductive statistics in response to public health 
priorities; (2) assesses information data needs in the fields of 
reproduction, maternal and child health, family formation, growth, and 
dissolution; (3) plans and develops statistical and research programs 
to obtain, evaluate, analyze, and disseminate reproductive statistics 
data to meet these needs; (4) conducts research to improve data 
collections on vital records, record linkage, and sample survey 
methodologies related to reproductive statistics; (5) performs 
theoretical and experimental research that improves the content of the 
reproductive statistics data collection effort and the timeliness, 
availability, and quality of reproductive statistics data; (6) assesses 
disclosure risk and develops optimal data strategies that improve 
policy analysis and decision-making; (7) prepares and publishes 
descriptive analyses of individual data systems as well as 
sophisticated multivariate analyses that integrate data across multiple 
surveys or data sets; (8) conducts methodological research to improve 
statistics on reproduction, maternal and child health, family 
formation, growth, and dissolution; (9) recommends content of U.S. 
Standard Certificates; and (10) provides consultation and advice to 
members of Congress, the press, and a broad range of researchers and 
institutions at the international, national, State, and local levels on 
reproductive statistics data.
    Data Acquisition and Evaluation Branch (CS52). (1) Provides policy 
direction to states regarding vital statistics data acquisition and 
quality control; (2) promotes state participation in the vital 
statistics cooperative program and the national death index (NDI) 
program; (3) develops specifications for coding, editing and processing 
of vital registration and statistics data; (4) develops and administers 
funding formulas that determine the level of reimbursement to states 
and the procurement mechanisms to effect this reimbursement; (5) 
develops and directs a comprehensive statistical quality assurance 
program to assure that the data received from each registration area 
are acceptable for national use; (6) provides technical assistance to 
states, local areas, other countries, and private organizations on data 
files, software, training, processing and coding of vital statistics 
data; (7) in consultation with health departments across the U.S., 
leads and conducts evaluation studies and other research on issues 
related to the collection of vital statistics; (8) prepares and 
publishes information obtained from special projects related to vital 
registration and statistics data; (9) promotes the development and 
implementation of ``best statistical practices'' throughout the U.S. 
vital statistics system to maximize the utility of vital statistics 
data; and (10) manages the acquisition of vital statistics data from 
the 57 registration areas to assure a national file of timely and 
complete data.
    Division of Health Care Statistics (CS6). Plans and administers 
complex data collection systems and analytic programs and conducts a 
program of methodologic and substantive public health research 
activities on the health care system and the use of health care 
services. (1) Participates in the development of policy, long-range 
plans, and programs of the Center; (2) plans, directs and coordinates 
the health care statistics program of the Center; (3) develop standards 
for health care statistics data collection, data reduction, and 
tabulation; (4) conducts research on data collection methodology, 
survey methodology, data quality and reliability, statistical 
computation, and utilization of health care statistics data; (5) 
conducts multidisciplinary research directed towards development of new 
scientific knowledge on the provision, use, quality, and 
appropriateness of ambulatory, hospital, and long-term care; 
interactions within the health care delivery system; and the effects of 
the system and its financing on services provided; (6) performs 
theoretical, experimental, and evaluation investigations into the 
content of the health care statistics data collection effort; (7) 
develops sophisticated approaches for making health care statistics 
data available to users, including techniques to avoid disclosure of 
confidential data; (8) conducts descriptive analyses and sophisticated 
multivariate analyses that integrate health care statistics across 
multiple surveys or data sets; (9) designs, develops, and implements 
state of the art computing systems for collection, storing, and 
retrieving health care statistics data for subsequent analysis and 
dissemination; (10) provides technical assistance, consultation, and 
liaison to international, federal, states, and local government 
agencies, as well as the private sector, on statistics describing 
health care resources and utilization and future data needs of 
particular relevance for public health, health services research, and 
health policy; (11) fosters the integration of health care

[[Page 7120]]

data systems as well as greater linkages of data for analytic purposes; 
(12) analyzes and produces and publishes a wide variety of health care 
statistics reports and tabulations in multiple formats; and (13) 
develops and sustains collaborative partnerships with NCHS, CDC, and 
DHHS, and externally with public, private, domestic, and international 
entities on health care statistics programs.
    Office of the Director (CS61). (1) Participates in the development 
of policy, long-range plans, and programs of the Center; (2) provides 
leadership for the development, conduct, and evaluation of national 
health care surveys and statistics; (3) directs, plans, and coordinates 
the statistical and research activities of the Division; (4) develops 
and administers a research and analytic program to characterize the 
health care delivery system and patients and providers interacting 
within it; (5) coordinates activities within the division and with 
other Center components aimed at obtaining and using health care data 
from other Federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as 
from non-government sources; and (6) provides advice and leads 
development of collaborative partnerships with NCHS, CDC, and DHHS, and 
externally with public, private, domestic and international entities on 
health care statistics and the manner in which statistics may impact 
policy issues.
    Ambulatory Care Statistics Branch (CS62). (1) Develops and 
maintains a national register of ambulatory health care providers and 
inventories; (2) assesses information and data needs in the field of 
ambulatory care statistics and translates data needs into plans for 
ambulatory health care surveys, inventories and research activities; 
(3) prepares specifications for the collection, coding, editing, and 
imputation of ambulatory health care statistics data; (4) conducts 
complex research studies relating to ambulatory health care providers 
and their utilization; (5) converts identified data needs into 
research, development, and evaluation activities; (6) performs 
theoretical and experimental research that improves the content of the 
ambulatory care data collection efforts and the timeliness, 
availability, and quality of ambulatory care data; (7) assesses 
disclosures risk and develops optimal data release strategies that 
improve policy analysis and decision-making; (8) prepares and publishes 
descriptive analyses as well as sophisticated multivariate analyses 
that integrate data across multiple surveys or data sets; (9) develops 
and publishes a wide variety of reports and tabulations in multiple 
formats and arranges for distribution/dissemination through appropriate 
media; and (10) provides technical advice and consultation in survey 
methodology, data collection, quality control, and analysis of 
ambulatory health data to other health professional personnel and 
researchers.
    Hospital Care Statistics Branch (CS63). (1) Develops and maintains 
a national register of hospital care providers; (2) translates data 
needs into plans for national inpatient and ambulatory surgery health 
care surveys, inventories and research activities; (3) prepares 
specifications for collection, coding, data entry, editing, and 
imputation of hospital care statistics data; (4) conducts complex 
research studies relating to hospital care and ambulatory surgery 
facilities and their utilization; (5) converts identified data needs 
into research, development, and evaluation activities; (6) performs 
theoretical and experimental research that improves the content of the 
hospital care data collection effort and the timeliness, availability, 
and quality of hospital care statistics and ambulatory surgery data; 
(7) assesses disclosure risk and develops optimal data release 
strategies that improve policy analysis and decision-making; (8) 
prepares and publishes descriptive analyses as well as sophisticated 
multivariate analyses that may integrate data across multiple surveys 
or data sets; (9) develops and publishes a wide variety of reports and 
tabulations in multiple formats and arranges for distribution/
dissemination through appropriate media; and (10) provides technical 
advice and consultation in survey methodology, data collection, quality 
control, and analysis of hospital care and ambulatory surgery 
statistics to other health professional personnel and researchers.
    Long-Term Care Statistics Branch (CS64). (1) Develops and maintains 
a national register of long-term care providers and plans for national 
long-term care surveys and inventories; (2) translates data needs into 
plans for surveys, inventories and research activities across the 
spectrum of long-term care; (3) prepares specifications for collection, 
coding, data entry, editing, and imputation of long-term care data; (4) 
conducts complex research studies relating to long-term care providers 
and their utilization; (5) converts identified data needs into 
research, development, and evaluation activities; (6) performs 
theoretical and experimental research to improve the content of the 
data collection effort and improves the timeliness, availability, and 
quality of long-term care statistics; (7) assesses disclosure risk and 
develops optimal data release strategies that improve policy analysis 
and decision-making; (8) prepares and publishes descriptive analyses as 
well as sophisticated multivariate analyses that may integrate data 
across multiple surveys or data sets; (9) develops and publishes a wide 
variety of reports and tabulations in multiple formats and arranges for 
distribution/dissemination through appropriate media; and (10) provides 
technical advice and consultation in survey methodology, data 
collection, quality control, and analysis of long-term care statistics 
to other health professional personnel and researcher.
    Technical Services Branch (CS65). (1) Conducts research into the 
design, development, and administration of health care statistics 
information technology systems; (2) performs systems analysis and 
computer programming of health care statistics data; (3) develops and 
implements computer technologies, data architectures, security 
infrastructure, and database management for division programs 
consistent with Center and Agency information technology requirements; 
(4) develops, maintains, and employs state-of-the-art information 
technologies (e.g., relational data bases, Web-enabled applications, 
applications development tools) in support of data collection, 
processing, maintenance, analysis, and dissemination activities 
associated with national health care surveys; (5) advises division 
staff regarding resources for mainframe, client-server, network, and 
emerging applications; (6) prepares and maintains databases and file 
libraries, as well as conducts studies of statistical computation and 
data quality; (7) produces and disseminates a wide variety of reports 
and tabulations in multiple formats; (8) develops quality control 
measures; and (9) provides consultation, policy guidance, and expert 
technical assistance NCHS-wide as well as to a broad range of agencies, 
institutions, federal, local, and international governments, 
researchers, and individuals, in regard to health care survey and 
computer systems design and usage.
    Division of Health Interview Statistics (CS7). Plans and 
administers complex data collection systems and analytic programs and 
conducts a program of methodologic and substantive public health 
research activities based on the collection of data from nationwide and 
special health interview surveys. (1) participates in the development 
of policy, long-range plans, and programs of NCHS; (2) plans, directs 
and coordinates the health interview

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statistics program of NCHS; (3) administers Division programs comprised 
of national health interview surveys, longitudinal surveys, population-
based telephone surveys, targeted follow-up studies, and national and 
subnational surveys on selected health topics; (4) conducts research on 
data collection and estimation methodology, survey methodology, 
questionnaire design, data quality and reliability, and statistical 
computation related to health interview statistics; (5) analyzes data 
and publishes reports on the prevalence and incidence of disease and 
associated disabilities, health status, health-related behaviors, 
utilization of health care resources, health insurance status, and 
other health and well-being related topics; (6) conducts 
multidisciplinary research directed toward development of new 
scientific knowledge in areas related to health and health care, 
population demographics, economics, epidemiology, statistics, and 
disability, e.g., determining associations between risks and outcomes; 
(7) performs theoretical and experimental investigations of the content 
of health interview surveys; (8) develop sophisticated approaches to 
making data available to users, including techniques to avoid 
disclosure of confidential data; (9) conducts and publishes descriptive 
analyses and sophisticated multivariate analyses that may integrate 
data across multiple surveys or data sets; (10) designs, develops, and 
implements state-of-the art computing systems for collecting, storing, 
and retrieving health interview statistics and for subsequent analysis 
and dissemination; (11) applies computer systems and software in its 
programs, consistent with NCHS information technology requirements; 
(12) conducts methodological research on the utilization, evaluation, 
and presentation of health interview statistics; (13) produces and 
publishes a wide variety of health interview statistics reports, 
papers, and tabulations in multiple formats as well as makes 
presentations on analyses of such data; and (14) develops and sustains 
collaborative partnerships with, and provides expert advice and 
technical assistance to, NCHS, CDC, DHHS, and externally with public, 
private, domestic and international entities on issues regarding health 
interview survey data.
    Office of the Director (CS71). (1) Participates in the development 
of policy, long-range plans, and programs of NCHS; (2) provides 
leadership for the design, development, conduct, and statistical 
evaluation of the Division's data systems, and the analysis and 
dissemination of national and subnational health interview statistics; 
(3) directs, plans, and monitors the scientific integrity and relevance 
to public health of the Division's data, publications, and other 
products; (4) directs and coordinates the planning and production 
activities of the Division, including data collection, information 
technology, and data dissemination; (5) develops and administers a 
research and analytic program in health interview statistics; (6) plans 
and conducts a program to improve methods for obtaining information on 
subpopulations defined by age, gender, geography, race, ethnicity, 
socioeconomic status, etc.; and (7) provides advice and leads 
development of collaborative partnerships within NCHS, CDC, and DHHS, 
and externally with public, private, domestic and international 
entities on issues regarding health interview statistics and the manner 
in which statistics may impact policy issues.
    Systems and Programming Branch (CS72). (1) Conducts research into 
the design, development, deployment, and administration of information 
technology systems to collect, process, and disseminate national health 
interview survey data; (2) performs systems analysis and computer 
programming, employing state-of-the-art information technologies (e.g., 
relational databases, Web-enabled applications, applications 
development tools) in support of data collection, processing, 
maintenance, analysis, and dissemination activities associated with 
national health interview surveys; (3) develops and implements computer 
technologies, data architectures, and security infrastructure and 
information technology management for the national health interview 
survey information technology systems ensuring consistency with the 
Center and Agency information technology requirements (4) designs, 
implements, and administers health interview survey information 
technologies; (5) conducts studies on statistical computation and data 
quality; (6) directs and coordinates the Division's procurement of 
computer hardware and software; (7) conducts studies and analyses to 
endure data confidentiality; (8) designs and implements computer 
applications to produce final edited and imputed health interview 
survey data and statistics; (9) produces health statistics reports and 
tabulations of data from health interview surveys in multiple formats; 
(10) designs and conducts evaluative studies of health interview survey 
data collection, processing, and dissemination systems to incorporate 
new concepts, methods and technologies; (11) provides consultation, 
policy guidance, and expert technical assistance NCHS-wide as well as 
to a broad range of agencies, institutions, federal, local, and 
international governments, researchers, and individuals, in regard to 
the design, administration, and usage of health interview statistics 
technology systems.
    Survey Planning and Development Branch (CS73). (1) Establishes the 
design and content of the national health interview surveys in response 
to public health priorities; (2) converts identified data needs into 
research, development, and evaluation activities and related public 
health information in the areas of prevalence and incidence of disease 
and associated disabilities, health status, health-related behaviors, 
health insurance status, and other health and well-being related 
topics; (3) coordinates survey instrument development and data 
collection activities by outside contractors; (4) designs and conducts 
methodological, analytical, developmental, and evaluation studies of 
health interview survey processes, questions, and data; (5) performs 
theoretical and experimental research on the content of and data 
collection efforts for health interview surveys in order to improve 
timeliness, quality, and availability of health interview survey data; 
(6) collaborates with other NCHS programs and through contracts and 
interagency agreements with outside sponsors of survey supplements in 
the development, implementation, and analysis of survey questions and 
data; and (7) provides technical advice and consultation in survey 
methodology, data collection, quality control, and analysis of health 
interview statistics data to a broad range of institutions, 
governments, and researchers.
    Data Analysis Branch (CS74). (1) Conducts research and analysis on 
topics relevant to public health suing national health interview survey 
data; (2) integrates, analyzes, and disseminates data from the national 
health interview survey; (3) facilities linkages across the national 
health interview survey components and with other databases; (4) 
prepares and presents scientific papers on health issues using data 
from the national health interview survey; (5) collaborates in the 
development and application of analytical and methodological techniques 
and guides for the Division's data collection programs; ((6) identifies 
substantive methodological and

[[Page 7122]]

technological research needs pertaining to health interview survey 
data; (7) serves as the NCHS resource on health interview survey data 
and their use in assessing the prevalence and incidence of disease and 
associated disabilities, health status, health related behaviors, 
health insurance status, and other health and well-being related 
topics; (8) collaborates in the questionnaire development process for 
health interview surveys; and (9) provides consolation, technical 
assistance, and liaison to academia, other research groups, and state, 
federal, and international entities concerning data needs and the 
definitions and uses of health interview survey data.
    Special Population Surveys Branch (CS75). (1) Plans and directs 
special customized population surveys, such as the State and Local Area 
Integrated Telephone Survey (SLAITS), in order to obtain timely state 
and smaller-area data as well as national data relevant to public 
health; (2) plans and directs the methodological and development 
aspects of data systems for producing health, welfare, and well-being 
statistics for populations defined by geography, race and ethnicity, 
and for other special populations; (3) collaborates through contracts, 
grants, and interagency agreements with outside sponsors of special 
population surveys in the development, implementation, and analysis of 
survey questions and data; (4) coordinates special population survey 
instrument development and data collection and processing activities by 
outside contractors; (5) designs and implements computer applications 
to produce final edited and imputed special population survey data and 
statistics; (6) conducts methodological research and analysis to 
improve the quality of health, welfare, and well-being statistics for 
special populations; (7) conducts innovative research and analysis 
activities that will establish baseline health and health-related data 
at national and subnational levels; (8) converts identified data needs 
into research, development, and evaluation activities; (9) conducts 
theoretical and experimental research to improve the content of the 
data collection effort for special population surveys by linkage with 
other surveys and by conducting record validation; (10) designs, 
conducts, publishes, and presents results of methodological, 
analytical, developmental, and evaluation studies of special population 
survey processes, questions, and data; (11) serves as the NCHS resource 
on special population surveys data and their use in evaluating programs 
and activities related to the NCHS mission; and (12) provides 
consultation and technical assistance to academia, other research 
groups, and state, federal, and international entities addressing the 
definitions, needs, and uses of special population survey data.
    Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (CS8). Plans 
and administers complex data collection systems and analytic programs 
and conducts a program of methodologic and substantive public health 
research activities based on the nationwide collection of data from 
health and nutrition examination surveys. (1) Participates in the 
development of policy, long-range plans, and programs of the Center; 
(2) plans, directs and coordinates the health and nutrition examination 
statistics program of the Center; (3) administers national cross-
sectional, longitudinal and special health and nutrition examination 
studies responsive to the needs for complex health, nutritional, and 
related public health information; (4) manages and coordinates 
activities of the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre 
for Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys; (5) conducts research on 
data collection methodology, survey methodology, data quality, and 
statistical computation related to health and nutritional status 
assessment; (6) conducts multidisciplinary research directed toward 
development of new scientific knowledge in the areas related to health 
and nutrition status, e.g. determining the causal relationships between 
risks and outcomes; (7) performs innovative theoretical and 
experimental investigations into the content of the health and 
nutrition examination statistics data collection effort; (8) develops 
sophisticated approaches to making health and nutrition examination 
statistics data available to users, including techniques, to avoid 
disclosure of confidential data; (9) prepares adn publishes descriptive 
analyses and sophisticated multivariate analyses that integrate health 
and nutrition examination statistics data across multiple surveys or 
data sets; (10) consults and provides technical assistance on the 
assessment of health and nutritional status for application in setting 
medical standards, evaluation of national programs, and regulatory 
processes; (11) provides leadership for the National Nutrition 
Monitoring and Related Research Program; (12) designs, develops, and 
implements state-of-the-art computing systems and technologies for 
collecting, storing, and retrieving health and nutrition examination 
data for subsequent analysis and dissemination; (13) applies computer 
systems and software for its programs consistent with Center 
information technology requirements; (14) produces a wide variety of 
health and nutrition examination statistics analytic reports and 
tabulations in multiple formats; and (15) develops and sustains 
collaborative partnerships within NCHS, CDC, and DHHS, and externally 
with public, private, domestic and international entities on health and 
nutrition examination statistics programs.
    Office of the Director (CS81). (1) Participates in the development 
of policy, long-range plans, and programs of the Center; (2) provides 
leadership for the monitoring and statistical evaluation of national 
health and nutrition examination statistics; (3) plans, directs and 
coordinates the statistical activities of the Division; (4) develops 
and administers a research and analytic program in health and nutrition 
examination statistics; (5) provides advice and leads development of 
collaborative partnerships within NCHS, CDC, and DHHS and externally 
with public, private, domestic and international entities on health and 
nutrition examination statistics; (6) provides support and focus for 
DHHS activities in the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related 
Research Program, coordinating these activities in CDC, DHHS, and other 
Federal agencies; and (7) manages and coordinates activities of the 
World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Health and 
Nutrition Examination Surveys.
    Analysis Branch (CS82). (1) Analyzes data and prepares scientific 
papers on the prevalence of disease or health-related characteristics 
and the interrelationships of these variables; (2) collaborates in the 
development and application of analytic techniques and guidelines for 
the Division's data collection programs; (3) performs innovative health 
and nutrition examination statistics data needs into research, 
development, and evaluation activities; (5) conducts theoretical and 
experimental research to improve the content of the health examination 
statistics data collection effort; (6) prepares and publishes 
descriptive analyses as well as sophisticated multivariate analyses 
that integrate data across multiple surveys or data sets; (7) develops 
a wide variety of health and nutrition examination statistics reports 
and tabulations in multiple formats and arranges for dissemination 
through appropriate media; and (8) administers analysis and scientific 
peer review of manuscripts for data collected in the Division's data 
collection programs; and

[[Page 7123]]

(9) provides technical advice and consultation to academic, 
international, federal, and state entities regarding nutritional and 
health examination statistics data.
    Informatics Branch (CS83). (1) Conducts applied computer and 
informatics research on the development of new and novel approaches in 
integrated survey information systems, database technology, imaging and 
telemedicine, data transmission, geographical information systems, and 
metadata registries; (2) conducts research on the design, development, 
and administration of computer systems for more timely and accurate 
health and nutrition examination statistics data; (3) develops, 
implements, and supports technologies, data architectures, networks, 
security infrastructure, and database management for the Division's 
data collection and analytic programs consistent with state of the art 
trends in computer and informatics research; (4) implements appropriate 
technologies to prevent unauthorized access to internal and field data 
resources including authentication, data encryption, data security, 
system scanning/probing, and implementation and development of systems 
security and policies consistent with Presidential Decision Directives 
and other Government wide initiatives; (5) performs systems analysis, 
computer programming, and quality assurance/quality control of health 
and nutrition examination data; (6) develops and implements standards 
for the Division's data collection programs and provides support for 
telecommunications, data access, and high-speed network technologies 
(e.g., data dissemination, telemedicine applications); (7)performs 
special projects related to data on health and nutrition and produces a 
wide variety of reports and tabulations in multiple formats; and (8) 
provides advice, policy guidance, and expert technical consultation 
NCHS-wide and to academic, federal, state, local and international 
governments, and researchers regarding health and nutrition examination 
survey information technologies and informatics research.
    Operations Branch (CS84). (1) Develops and administers contracts 
for data collection, engineering, acquisition and maintenance of mobile 
examination centers (MEC) and medical and computer equipment and 
receipt and cont4rol systems; (2) develops and implements systems for 
reporting of medical findings, professional readings, and laboratory 
processing for health and nutrition examination and special studies; 
(3) develops and conducts engineering and logistical support for survey 
data collection; (4) designs and conducts research studies on response 
rates, quality control and quality assurance of health and nutrition 
examination statistics data; (5) designs and develops comprehensive 
outreach programs and survey participant recruitment materials; and (6) 
prepares and publishes reports and analyses of field operations and 
performs special projects related to health and nutrition examination 
statistics survey implementation.
    Planning Branch (CS85). (1) Establishes the research agenda for 
health and nutrition statistics data in response to public health 
priorities; (2) converts identified data needs into research, 
development, and evaluation activities and related public health 
information; (93) directs the planning phase of contractual activities, 
including pilot testing and workshop development, in support of the 
Division's data collection programs; (4) plans and develops a 
statistical program to obtain, evaluate, analyze and disseminate health 
and a nutrition examination statistics to meet these needs; (5) 
prepares and publishes descriptive analyses as well as sophisticated 
multivariate analyses that integrate data across multiple surveys or 
data sets; (6) performs theoretical and experimental research to 
improve the content of the health and nutrition examination statistics 
data collection effort and improve the timeliness, availability, and 
quality of the nutritional and health examination statistics data; (7) 
participates in the design and development of integrated, automated 
data collection systems and data file release programs as well as 
conducts statistical methods research; (8) provides technical oversight 
of all laboratory aspects of health and nutrition examination studies; 
and (9) provides consultation and technical assistance to a wide range 
of researchers and institutions at the state, national, and 
international levels addressing the definitions, needs, and uses of 
nutrition and health nutrition examination statistics.

    Dated: February 2, 2003.
William H. Gimson,
Acting Director.
[FR Doc. 03-3439 Filed 2-11-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-18-M