Oregon Hospitals Required to Collect New Race and Ethnicity Patient Data

State officials say the program is designed to make sure people of all races are receiving equal treatment.

Photo courtesy: vitl.net

(LAKE OSWEGO, Ore.) - Beginning in January 2008, the state of Oregon began requiring hospitals to obtain patients' race and ethnicity data upon hospital registration.

The information will be collected for inpatient discharges and outpatient surgeries. The rule does not require hospitals to collect the data for emergency room admits or other ancillary services such as labs and diagnostic imaging.

There has been a grace period in effect from January until May 2008. The Office of Oregon Health Policy & Research expects all hospitals in the state to be in compliance by the 2nd quarter of 2008.

The data will be used at both the state and federal level to ensure there is no disparity in care provided to patients of different race and ethnic backgrounds.

"It is important that our patient community be made aware of these new state regulations," commented Gwen Dayton, executive vice president and general counsel for the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS). "Our member hospitals understand the sensitivity around these questions and are taking steps within their own organizations to understand and incorporate these questions in a compassionate manner within their various registration materials."

If a patient has questions or concerns about the new demographic questions being required by the state there are several resources available to them:

• Talk with the admitting staff at the various hospitals patients are registering with and make sure their concerns are known. Staff will work with the patient to alleviate their anxiety.
• Contact the state of Oregon's Office of Oregon Health Policy & Research. Patients may contact Sean Kolmer, research and data manager, at 503-373-1824 or Sean.Kolmer@state.or.us

Founded in 1934, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) is a statewide, nonprofit trade association that works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon's innovative health care industry.

In addition to 58 acute care hospitals, OAHHS membership includes 10 health systems and related health plans, 16 affiliated allied organizations and 32 associate members representing health care consulting and other service companies. More information can be found online at oahhs.org