Electronic Case Reporting (ECR)

What is eCR?

Electronic case reporting (eCR) is the automated, real-time exchange of disease case report information between electronic health records (EHRs) and public health agencies. eCR is a tool that public health authorities (PHAs) can use, according to their needs, interests, and policies to receive immediate data on reportable diseases and possible outbreaks.eCR securely transfers patient and clinical information from healthcare providers to public health for disease tracking, case management, and contact tracing. 

As a joint effort between the CDC, the American Public Health Labs (APHL) and the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), eCR is intended to strengthen disease surveillance systems. 

Data Sovereignty and eCR

Tribes and other Tribal public health authorities have faced difficulties in receiving real time infectious disease case reports from outside entities. Such delays affect how quickly a Tribe can respond to outbreaks. Electronic case reporting (eCR) can provide real time data to Tribal public health authorities to ensure a swift investigation process. 

As sovereign governments, Tribal Nations have inherent public health authority which bestows upon them the legal authority to receive case reports on conditions of interest to them. Tribes and Tribal public health authorities have faced difficulties in receiving real-time infectious disease case reports. eCR can provide real-time data to Tribal public health authorities to ensure a swift investigation process. 

Benefits of eCR include:
  • Real-time surveillance: Provide more timely and complete data to support outbreak management and monitor disease trends. 
  • Faster outbreak response: Efficiently monitor the spread of reportable diseases like COVID-19 during outbreaks and public health emergencies. 
  • Better communication between healthcare and public health: Improve communication and collaboration with healthcare by enabling bidirectional data exchange. 

NIHB’s Role in eCR

NIHB is supporting eCR implementation for Tribes, Tribal Consortiums, Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs), or other Tribal bodies with public health authority in partnership with the CDC through the following activities: 

  • Providing direct funding and technical assistance to Tribes and TECs to implement eCR 
  • Developing trainings on eCR for Tribal public health authorities and healthcare providers 
  • Hosting listening sessions on eCR with federal partners 
  • Working with Tribes to strengthen data sharing agreements with state and local partners 

NIHB has funded three Tribes and one Tribal Epidemiology Center to connect to eCR. 

Check out this CDC success story to learn more about the goals of our prior partner Tribal Nations in connecting to eCR! 


Get Involved

NIHB is developing a learning community for Tribal public health and healthcare employees to learn more about eCR for Tribes. Sign up to receive updates on trainings and resources. 

Funding: The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is offering a funding opportunity for Tribes, or organizations designated by one or more Tribes to receive the Tribe’s data, such as Tribal consortia, Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs), and other similar entities. Visit the Information Hub below to learn more! 

Acknowledgement

This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Contact Us
Electronic Case Reporting (Disease Surveillance) Program
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-507-4078

information hub

Electronic Case Reporting (ECR) news

As sovereign governments, Tribal Nations are inherently public health authorities and have the legal authority

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB serve) is proud to announce the release of the

Electronic Case Reporting (ECR) Partner Resources
Upcoming Events
March 4, 2025 - March 5, 2025

National Indian Health Board will host the Tribal Health Data Symposium on March 4–5, 2025

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