Funding

Clinical Research

Updated September 10, 2007

Certificate of Confidentiality

Purpose

Certificates of Confidentiality are issued by NIAMS to protect the privacy of research subjects by protecting investigators and institutions from being compelled to release information that could be used to identify study participants. Certificates of Confidentiality are issued to institutions or universities where the research is conducted. They allow the investigator and others who have access to research records to refuse to disclose identifying information in any civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceeding, whether at the federal, state, or local level. Identifying information is broadly defined as any item or combination of items in the research data that could lead directly or indirectly to the identification of a research subject. By protecting researchers and institutions from being compelled to disclose information that would identify research participants, Certificates of Confidentiality help achieve the research objectives and promote participation in studies by assuring privacy to subjects.

For More Information

Please visit the NIH Certificates of Confidentiality Kiosk (online at http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/policy/coc/index.htm) for additional information including application instructions and frequently asked questions.

For further information about Certificates of Confidentiality, to submit an application, or to request an extension or amendment for an existing Certificate awarded by NIAMS, contact:

Mr. Michael Toland
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Institutes of Health
6701 Democracy Blvd.Suite 800
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Phone: (301) 594-2463
Fax: (301) 480-4543
E-mail: tolandm@mail.nih.gov