This website refers to two types of Research Data Center (RDC).  While both are located in the executive branch of the U.S. federal government, they are affiliated with two different federal agencies.  There are nine “Census RDCs” which are managed by the U.S. Bureau of the Census in the Department of Commerce.  There is only one “NCHS RDC,” which is managed by the National Center for Health Statistics, one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Department of Health and Human Services.

If it is more convenient, you can access NCHS data using any one of the nine Census RDCs. You will not have to submit a separate research proposal to the Census Bureau, but you will have to follow any additional requirements that the Census Bureau may impose to protect the security and confidentiality of the data.

For a handy summary, see the attached brochure .