The National Electronic Disease Surveillance System is a broad initiative focused on the use of data and information systems standards to advance the development of efficient, integrated, and interoperable surveillance systems at the state and local levels facilitating sharing of appropriate data across jurisdictions. This initiative is designed to facilitate the electronic transfer of information needed for public health from clinical information systems in the health care industry, to reduce provider burden in the provision of information, and to enhance both the timeliness and quality of information provided.