New York City Department of Health

Controls Over Vital Records

The New York City Department of Health is responsible for the registration, issuance and maintenance of birth and death certificates in New York City. We evaluated the Department's internal controls over these activities and identified a number of weaknesses. For example, birth certificates may be issued without the required proof of identity, birth certificate numbers may not be fully accounted for, and the number of births reported by the Department may not be accurate. We also determined that voided birth and death certificates are not adequately accounted for. We recommend several improvements in the Department's internal controls.

For a complete copy of Report 99-N-6 click here.
For a copy of the 90-day response click here.
For a copy of the associated follow-up report click here.