CMS Data Disclosures and Data Use Agreements (DUAs): Identifiable Data Files
Guidance for the process to request for Identifiable Data Files (IDFs).
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: March 20, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) makes identifiable data files (IDFs) available to certain stakeholders as allowed by federal laws and regulations as well as CMS policy. IDFs contain protected health information (PHI) and/or personally identifiable information (PII) and CMS is committed to ensuring this information is protected.
The process to request IDFs, add new IDFs to an existing request, or to re-use IDFs for a different project depends on the type of organization and the purpose for requesting the data. Please refer to the chart below to determine the appropriate contact. If you do not see your organization type, please contact us at DataUseAgreement@cms.hhs.gov.
All requests for Data Use Agreement (DUA) contact changes, DUA extensions, and DUA closures are processed via the DUA mailbox. Please use the navigation bar on the left to find instructions for completing these actions.
| Organization Type | Contact |
|---|---|
| CMS Sponsored Program, CMS Awardees, CMS Grantees (including CMMI model participants) | CMS Project Officer |
| OIG/GAO Audits | CMS Audit Management Contact |
| Qualified Entities | Research Data Assistance Center (ResDAC) |
Researchers* [Research Identifiable Files (RIFs)]
| Research Data Assistance Center (ResDAC) |
| State Medicaid Agencies (care coordination and program integrity) | State Data Resource Center (SDRC) |
*Note: Researchers may also request Limited Data Set (LDS) files. Please use the navigation bar on the left for more information on the LDS file request process.
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DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.