The Vital Statistics Advisory Committee

The Vital Statistics Advisory Committee reviews and provides recommendations to the State Registrar on the adequacy of procedures pertaining to the release of vital statistics and confidentiality of personal health and medical information.

Requests for the use of confidential birth and death data are reviewed by the Committee to detemine whether a legitimate scientific interest is presented and the significance of the project justifies use of confidential information.

The Committee assures that all research conducted using birth and death certificate data is consistent with guidelines provided by the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects.

The schedule, agenda, and minutes for upcoming VSAC meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday of each month, can be found below. If you have any questions, please contact the Health Information and Research Section staff at HIRS@cdph.ca.gov for more information.

VSAC Meeting Information

Vital Statistics Advisory Committee (VSAC) members are appointed by the State Registrar.  Every effort is made to ensure VSAC membership is representative of the community.  Included in its composition are the chairpersons (or designated representatives) of the Assembly Health Committee and the Senate Health and Welfare Committee.  For additional information on Committee members, visit our Vital Statistics Advisory Committee Members page.

Recruitment for VSAC members is continuous and vacancies are filled from an available pool of applicants. If interested in serving as a VSAC member, please send a completed application (PDF) and curriculum vitae (biography) to: 

California Department of Public Health

Health Information and Research Section

ATTN: Data Management Unit

P.O. Box 997410, MS 5101

Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

(916) 552-8095

HIRS@cdph.ca.gov