Disaggregating Public Health Data by Race and Ethnicity to Improve Public Health

Abstract Disaggregation of public health data by race and ethnicity is critical to understanding health disparities and driving progress toward health equity. While the federal government updated the minimum set of categories federal agencies must use when collecting race and ethnicity data, implementation of these standards remains uncertain. Additionally, federal standards set a floor; states can adopt laws requiring additional data collection specific to their population. As of May 2025, 13 states have passed laws to require disaggregation of race and ethnicity. One state – New York – is implementing the Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) Data Disaggregation Law. Challenges include finding effective pressure points for the state agencies that are required to update data and helping agencies access funding for necessary changes. In California, the 2024 Latine and Indigenous Health Disparities Act builds on previous data disaggregation legislation for the Asian and NHPI community in California. Challenges with the bill’s adoption included pressure to narrow the agencies affected by the law and creating an appropriate implementation timeline. Key considerations in the adoption of a state data disaggregation law or policy include educating policymakers about the importance of data disaggregation, determining the scope of the policy, and preparing for implementation.