NDI Eligibility Requirements

What to know

  • Research projects must meet specific eligibility requirements to use the National Death Index (NDI).
  • The use of specific information will qualify researchers for an NDI match.
  • Find out if your research project qualifies to use NDI.
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Eligible research projects

Before applying to use data from the National Death Index (NDI), researchers should carefully read and review the eligibility requirements below. These requirements will help you determine whether your project meets the criteria to access NDI data.

Eligibility Requirements

  • NDI data may be used only for public health and medical studies, and only if users will take no actions that may directly affect individuals or establishments.
  • NDI data may not be used for personal, genealogical, legal, administrative, or commercial purposes. NDI data also may not be used to generate profit.
  • NDI data may not be sent or shared outside of U.S. borders, including territorial borders. Only "public-use" files approved by NDI may be posted to the internet.
  • NDI data may be used only for the study or project described in the approved NDI application.
  • NDI data may not be shared with anyone not approved by NDI.
  • NDI applications must include evidence of a current Institutional Review Board (IRB) review.
    • If you have questions about surveillance-related applications, please contact NDI staff at ndi@cdc.gov.
  • NDI applications must be submitted by the project's principal investigator.
Keep Reading: For more information about approval criteria and IRB review.
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Content Source:
National Center for Health Statistics