Confidentiality and Disclosure

Confidentiality

Maintaining confidentiality of study participant data is the primary objective of the National Center for Health Statistics Research Data Center (RDC). Follow the policies and procedures RDC requires of you and your team to protect data and prevent disclosure of confidential information.

The confidentiality training, confidentiality forms, and the Manual for Preventing Disclosure below outline what's required. You and your research team must complete the confidentiality training and submit the confidentiality forms.

Confidentiality training

The Confidentiality Training module will open in a separate window or tab. It should take 30 minutes to complete. At the conclusion of the training, you will be asked to take a post-test assessment. You must score a 100% on this test.

Step 1: Click on the Confidentiality Training link below, select "login" or "create account" to create your CDC Train account. You must have an account to access the training.

Note: You may get notification that says you need to complete your profile. If so, select "go to profile" and complete the required field. Click "Next Step", then close. Click "Launch", then click "OK".

Step 2: Once back on the course page, click "Launch" to go directly to the course page. If you have already taken the course and want to get the assessment, click "Mark Completed" and then "OK" in the pop-up box. The green box will change from "Launch" to "Post-Assessment".

Step 3: Take the post-assessment test.

Step 4: On the course page, click "Print Certificate" and either open or save the pdf certificate. You will need to provide this certificate to your assigned RDC analyst.

Confidentiality forms

Complete confidentiality forms each time you submit a new application to the RDC. RDC cannot accept forms from a former project.

• Data-Use Agreement regarding conditions of access
• Designated Agent Agreement (You must have this form notarized.)

Send these completed, signed forms along with your confidentiality training completion certificate to your RDC analyst as soon as possible. Submit forms via email or by mail. If sent by email, then make sure the notary seal is visible. RDC will not permit you to begin your research until we receive your completed, signed forms.

Disclosure review policies and procedures

RDC disclosure review policies and procedures exist to protect the identity of study participants. RDC requires researchers to read and follow the procedures in the:

Manual for Preventing Disclosure: Rules for Researchers