The NCVHS serves as the statutory [42 U.S.C. 242k(k)] public advisory body to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for health data, statistics, privacy, and national health information policy and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). In that capacity, the Committee provides advice and assistance to the Department and serves as a forum for interaction with interested private sector groups on a range of health data issues.
Committee membership consists of 18 individuals with a range of expertise including health statistics, electronic interchange of healthcare information, privacy, confidentiality, and security of electronic information, population-based public health, purchasing or financing healthcare services, integrated computerized health information systems, health services research, consumer interests in health information, health data standards, epidemiology, and the provision of health services. Sixteen of the 18 members are appointed by the HHS Secretary to terms of four years each. Two additional members are selected by Congress.