The National Vital Statistics System

The National Vital Statistics System is responsible for maintaining the official vital statistics of the U.S. population. Certificates of live births and deaths are probably the most common vital statistics that are held within this system.

• Explain why this information is important to a healthcare provider such as a physician, hospital, or health department.
• Examine at least three uses for a hospital birth and death information, from the hospital’s standpoint, the region’s standpoint, and the state’s standpoint.