Vendors to Implement Reordered Race Categories (for Question 31) in XML Data Files Starting with July 2023 Sample Month
folder_openChanges to Protocols and Guidelinescalendar_todayPosted April 11, 2023

This announcement serves as a reminder to vendors administering the HHCAHPS Survey that they must begin using the currently posted mail questionnaires and CATI scripts with the reordered race response categories for the race question (Q31) beginning with the July 2023 sample month.

Important: Vendors should NOT implement the reordered race question until the July 2023 sample month.

The race categories were reordered alphabetically, rather than in order of US population ranking, for health equity. The revised survey Question 31 can be found in all mail and telephone scripts available on the HHCAHPS website, under the “Survey and Protocols” menu tab.

Please note the upcoming data submission task activities listed below, as vendors prepare for submitting Quarter 3, 2023 data. Announcements will be posted on the website when each activity occurs.

• In August 2023, we will post revised Standard and DSRS XML data layout files to reflect the reordered response options for Question 31.
• After the October 19, 2023 data submission deadline has passed for submitting Quarter 2, 2023 data, the Data Submission Tool will be unavailable as we prepare for this data change on our end.

Please feel free to contact us via email or through the toll-free number if you have any questions.