National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)

Summary

The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), conducted by the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), is the nation’s largest and longest-running health survey, monitoring the health of the U.S. population since 1957. NHIS collects and analyzes data on a wide range of health topics, with a focus on both adults and children. Each year, approximately 27,000 adults participate in confidential, face-to-face interviews, often providing health information about children in their households.

Agency	HHS, CDC, NCHS
Data Checkup

Historical Data Availability

No Known Issue

Future Data Availability

High Risk

The government shutdown suspended field operations temporarily. The effect on fall 2025 data collection is unknown.

Data Quality

High Risk

Questions on food security have been removed from the survey.

Statutory Context

High Risk

Statutory authorization is vague.

Staffing and Funding

High Risk

NCHS staff positions appear to have been terminated during the shutdown.

Policy

High Risk

An Information Collection Request submitted on 5/28/2025 removed two questions on gender identity due to EO 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.

Last updated: 2025-12-16

Details

Related ICRs
OMB Control Number	0920-0214
Authorizing Statutes	Pub.L. 107 - 347 511, 42 USC 242

Reference Number	Title	Agency	Status	Request Type
202504-0920-017	[NCHS] National Health Interview Survey	HHS/CDC	Active	No material or nonsubstantive change to a currently approved collection
202601-0920-011	[NCHS] National Health Interview Survey	HHS/CDC	Active	No material or nonsubstantive change to a currently approved collection
202411-0920-002	[NCHS] National Health Interview Survey	HHS/CDC	Active	No material or nonsubstantive change to a currently approved collection
202509-0920-003	[NCHS] National Health Interview Survey	HHS/CDC	Active	No material or nonsubstantive change to a currently approved collection