Vital records

Definition
Vital records are electronic and hardcopy documents, references, records, databases, and IT systems needed to support essential governmental functions under the full spectrum of emergencies.

Overview
Categories of these types of records may include:


 * Emergency operating records &mdash; emergency plans and directive(s), orders of succession, delegations of authority, staffing assignments, selected program records needed to continue the most critical agency operations, as well as related policy or procedural records.
 * Legal and financial rights records &mdash; protect the legal and financial rights of the Government and of the individuals directly affected by its activities. Examples include accounts receivable records, social security records, payroll records, retirement records, and insurance records. These records were formerly defined as “rights-and-interests” records.
 * Records used to perform national security preparedness functions and activities.