Certificates of Confidentiality

A Certificate of Confidentiality helps researchers protect the privacy of subjects in biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or other research projects against compulsory legal demands (e.g., court orders and subpoenas) that seek the names or other identifying characteristics of a research subject. The Certificate covers the collection of sensitive research information for a defined time period (the term of the project); however, personally identifiable information obtained about subjects enrolled while the Certificate is in effect is protected in perpetuity.

Instructions

• Extramural scientists: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/coc/appl_extramural.htm
• Intramural scientists: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/coc/appl_intramural.htm

Eligibility

A Certificate of Confidentiality is granted only when the research is of a sensitive nature where the protection is judged necessary to achieve the research objectives. Federal funding is not a prerequisite. The types of projects, both eligible and ineligible for a certificate, are described at the following website: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/policy/coc/background.htm.

Research can be considered "sensitive" if it involves the collection of:

• Information about sexual attitudes, preferences, practices;
• Information about the use of alcohol, drugs, or other addictive products;
• Information about illegal conduct;
• Information that could damage an individual's financial standing, employability, or reputation within the community;
• Information in a subject's medical record that could lead to social stigmatization or discrimination; and/or

• Information about a subject's psychological well-being or mental health.