U S Government Accountability Office

Human services U S Government Accountability Office

" State and local human services agencies administer funds from various federal programs to help those in need -many of whom are served by multiple programs. Data sharing across programs can improve administrative efficiencies and client service; however, some agencies are concerned about how to share more data while maintaining client privacy. GAO was asked to review issues related to data sharing. This report examines (1) how selected states or localities have shared data across programs to improve the administration of human services, (2) challenges state and local human services agencies face in balancing privacy protections with greater data sharing, and (3) actions that the federal government could take to help address these challenges. GAO reviewed relevant federal laws, regulations, and policies, interviewed federal officials, conducted site visits with state or local human services agencies in four selected states, and surveyed 40 stakeholders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors to identify challenges and possible federal actions. "