Partnering with NJHA/HRET and the state Department of Health, Genesis Systems Inc. created the Electronic Birth Certificate (EBC), an integrated statewide perinatal database with numerous capabilities in 1995. This development helped hospitals across the state transfer birth records electronically.

Hospitals efficiently forward birth certificate data, newborn hearing screening information and certificates of parentage to the state Department of Health electronically through this system. A sampling of its various functions: Unmarried parents can acknowledge paternity, and parents can request a Social Security number for their newborn infant. Hospitals also use this data to create reports for their own quality assurance and follow up activities.

The state Department of Health is in the process of developing a new Web-based electronic birth certificate system.