Requesting MCBS Data - Amendment/Update Request
Data Request Documentation
To begin the data request process, e-mail a draft version of all documents in the original format (.xls, .pdf, .doc) to resdac@umn.edu for review. ResDAC requires 5-7 business days to review.
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The Written Request Letter, submitted on organizational letterhead, outlines the primary purpose(s) for which the data are required. The Written Request should contain the following elements:
- The purpose for which the data are needed
- A brief description of the methodology in which the data will be used
- Delineation of the data requirements, including requested modules and years
- Overnight shipping address and account information (If not specified, the data CDs are shipped at book rate through the U.S. Post Office and will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks for shipping.)
- Contact information that includes a phone number and email address
- Check made payable to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS is required to obtain compensation for its costs incurred in the processing of data, and the costs for MCBS data are a set fee of $600 per module per year. If the amendment request involves reuse of data, the fee is $200 per request.
- LDS Data Use Agreement (DUA)
The DUA delineates the confidentiality requirements of the Privacy Act and CMS's data release policies and procedures. This agreement specifies that the requestor will:
- Ensure the data will be used only for the specific purpose stated in the agreement
- Develop and implement the appropriate procedural, technical, and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorized use
- Not release any files without prior CMS approval
- Return or destroy file(s) by the date specified
- Not publish or release information that would permit the identification of a beneficiary
Signature Addendum: If anyone besides the requester or custodian is going to handle CMS data, a signature addendum may be required.
CMS DUA Guidelines [19K, pdf] - additional information regarding a DUA.
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If someone other that the original requestor of the data is requesting reuse, a letter of support from the original requestor of the data is requested.
Last Modified October 15, 2009