Learn about REL data collection
Connecticut is committed to advancing health equity. Collecting self-reported REL data for each patient and client helps identify disparities in health. OHS has published uniform standards that agencies and provider organizations use to collect this data.
REL data is used by a variety of stakeholders, including the Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health, to inform their annual reporting.
REL data collection and reporting also helps state-agencies, researchers, policy makers, and legislators:
- Develop targeted plans to reduce racial disparities
- Help healthcare providers provide high-quality, patient-centered, equitable care to all patients in Connecticut
Explore more details about REL data collection by following the links below to review the data standards, implementation plan, and implementation guide.
REL data collection resources
REL master implementation toolkit (PDF)
Find all the information you need as you begin collecting race, ethnicity, and language data. This toolkit is for CT healthcare provider organizations, as well as state agencies, boards, commissions, and contractors.
REL data standards (PDF)
Review the standards that agencies, boards, commissions, and healthcare providers must use to collect REL data.
REL implementation plan (PDF)
Learn more about the tasks that REL data collectors need to complete to properly collect and maintain data.
REL implementation recommendations (PDF)
See our findings and recommendations around race, ethnicity, and language data collection.
How REL data is collected
OHS, state agencies, and provider organizations only collect REL data that patients have self-reported and given their consent to use. It’s also important to note that patients are never required to provide REL information in order to get health care or services.
Organizations impacted by the mandate to collect REL data do so according to the data standards. This includes any agencies and contractors that provide clinical services, behavioral health services, community health services and support, and public health services and surveillance, such as:
- Office of Health Strategy
- Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
- Department of Children and Families
- Department of Correction
- Department of Developmental Services
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
- Department of Public Health
- Department of Social Services
- Department of Veterans Affairs
Healthcare providers connected to CT’s Health Information Exchange (HIE), Connie, must also collect REL data in their electronic health record systems.
Frequently asked questions
Get answers to important questions you may have about the OHS’s collection of race, ethnicity, and language data in healthcare.
Legislation
Read the public act and statute on collecting race, ethnicity and language data.