Requesting CMS's Identifiable Data Files (RIFs) - Amendment/Update to existing DUA

Data Request Documentation

These types of data requests are generally for an additional year of data for the same project. These types of requests require a ResDAC review, but do NOT require a CMS Privacy Board Review.

ResDAC Data Request Document Checklist & Review Memo

Checklist to be used by the researcher to ensure that all documentation has been completed, prior to emailing to ResDAC for review. Email checklist with documentation to be reviewed. The Review Memo will be supplied to the researcher after the ResDAC review is complete. The Review Memo must be included with the CMS data request packet.
Sample Written Request Letter

The written request letter should indicate the study project, brief overview, and DUA to be amended.
Data Use Agreement (DUA)

An Amendment/Update of the Existing DUA Update is needed as part of the review of your data request to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Privacy Act, and must be completed prior to the release or use of specified data files containing individual identifiers.

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.
Specification Worksheet (this is specific to the CCW data)

The Specification Worksheet contains requester information, shipping information, method of payment, and study/project data extract details.
Formal CMS Cost Estimate

To assist ResDAC staff in submitting a cost estimate request to CMS, please fill in the requested information and e-mail it to ResDAC.
Sample Request Letter of Continuing Support from Project Officer

If the project is federally funded, a letter of support from the federal project officer is needed to show continued support.
Sample Letter of Support from Original Requestor

If the data being added are under reuse, a letter of support from the original requestor is needed.
Sample Letter of Support from Original Federal Project Officer

If the data being added are under reuse and the original study was federally funded, a letter of support from the original federal project officer is needed.

After ResDAC review, CMS Amendment/Updates to existing DUA data request packets should be mailed to:

Maribel Franey, Division Director
Division of Privacy Compliance Data Development (DPC)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
OIS/EASG/DPC N2-04-27
7500 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850

Last Modified November 4, 2008