Data request frequantly asked questions (FAQs)

Below are answers to some FAQs. Please contact us with any other questions you might have.

How do I request WA-APCD data products or reports?

You must go through the application process for data requests. 

Where can I read about the Washington State rule and code about the release of WA-APCD data to the public?

Release of WA-APCD data is allowable under established Washington State statute under Chapter 43.371 RCW and Chapter 182-70 WAC.

Who decides who can get information from the WA-APCD?

The Lead Organization (LO) is required by Washington statute to adopt clear policies and procedures for data requests and data releases that include how decisions will be made to grant or disapprove release of the requested data. The LO approves or denies WA-APCD data requests with advice from the Data Release Advisory Committee (DRAC).

What data products are available?

The WA-APCD offers five ways to get WA-APCD data.

• Public use files and dashboards
• Release upon request (RUR) data extracts
• Standard datasets
• Custom datasets
• Custom analytic reports

What is the WA-APCD Analytic Enclave (AE)?

The AE is a managed, cloud-based analytic environment enabling secure access to the all-payer data, added-value data augmentation services, and a set of analytic tools. The AE product is hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and is managed by the WA-APCD data vendor, Onpoint Health Data. Clients access the all-payer data through a dedicated, virtual, private cloud. Each calendar quarter the most currently available three-month dataset will be added to the AE.

What kind of data will be available in the AE?

The AE's offerings include:

• Eligibility and claims data – claimant service level data
• Provider master listing of facility and professional providers; includes primary care practitioner assignment to medical practices
• Analytic tools (SQL Workbench and R-Studio) to organize and analyze the data
• Data is refreshed quarterly with the most recent quarter of data

How long does the data request process take?

Data requests including the release of protected health information must go through a 15-business-day period of public review/comment and review by the DRAC. Read more about the process. 

The LO will post the final decision for the request.

If your application is approved, you will be required to execute all relevant data release forms. Once finalized and signed by the appropriate parties, the LO will finish processing your data request.

Who is using APCD data in other states?

Examples APCD data users inclue: 

• Businesses and other purchasers of health care services
• State and local agencies
• Insurance carriers
• Researchers – academic, think tanks, and others

Learn more about other APCD efforts from the APCD Council.

What is a data use agreement (DUA)?

A DUA is a legally binding document signed by the LO and the data requestor that defines the terms and conditions under which access to and use of the WA-APCD data is authorized, how the data will be secured and protected, and how the data will be destroyed at the end of the agreement term. The DUA includes the Data Request Application and the Data Management Plan as attachments.

What is a data management plan (DMP)?

The DMP is formal document that outlines how a data requestor will handle the WA-APCD data to ensure privacy and security during and after the project.

What is the Lead Organization (LO)?

The LO is the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), the entity currently coordinating and managing the WA-APCD.

What committee work is being done to provide input on data policy and release processes for the WA-APCD?

WA-APCD stakeholders provide input on data policy and release processes through two committees specified in the WA-APCD statute (RCW 43.371.020). The Data Policy Advisory Committee (DPAC) provides input on how data are collected and maintained. The DRAC provides input on data-release policies and protocols.

What is the comment period and who can submit a comment?

WA-APCD data requests that include the release of Protected Health Information (PHI) require a 15-day public comment period and review by the DRAC. The comment period for the WA-APCD is the 15-day period of time a data request is publicly posted for comment. The comment period allows the data providers and the public to review the data request and submit comments about the data release request.

Where can I view which data elements are available in the WA-APCD?

Available data elements can be found in the Data Elements Request Form. Read the complete list of forms.

In what format is the data released and how is it delivered?

This depends on the data product. Find more informaiton about all data products.