(a) Standards with respect to utility of data

(1) In general
To ensure the utility, accuracy, and sufficiency of data collected by or for the Agency for the purpose described in section 299(b) of this title, the Director shall establish standard methods for developing and collecting such data, taking into consideration—

(A) other Federal health data collection standards; and

(B) the differences between types of health care plans, delivery systems, health care providers, and provider arrangements.

(2) Relationship with other Department programs
In any case where standards under paragraph (1) may affect the administration of other programs carried out by the Department of Health and Human Services, including the programs under title XVIII, XIX or XXI of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq., 1396 et seq., 1397aa et seq.], or may affect health information that is subject to a standard developed under part C of title XI of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1320d et seq.], they shall be in the form of recommendations to the Secretary for such program.

(b) Statistics and analyses
The Director shall—

(1) take appropriate action to ensure that statistics and analyses developed under this subchapter are of high quality, timely, and duly comprehensive, and that the statistics are specific, standardized, and adequately analyzed and indexed; and

(2) publish, make available, and disseminate such statistics and analyses on as wide a basis as is practicable.

(c) Authority regarding certain requests
Upon request of a public or private entity, the Director may conduct or support research or analyses otherwise authorized by this subchapter pursuant to arrangements under which such entity will pay the cost of the services provided. Amounts received by the Director under such arrangements shall be available to the Director for obligation until expended.