Details on Certificate of Confidentiality Eligibility Questions
The Online Certificate of Confidentiality System includes questions to determine if a research project may be eligible to receive a Certificate of Confidentiality (CoC) issued by NIH. The questions asked are partly derived from United States Code (laws) or the Code of Federal Regulations (explanations of how agencies carry out laws).
NOTE:
- Non-federally-funded research might also qualify to receive a CoC from NIH.
- The NIH Guide Notice for NIH Policy for Issuing Certificates of Confidentiality discusses identifiable, sensitive information, as well as human subject research, in detail.
See the questions below to find out more about each question:
1. Select Funding Source(s) / Select Federal Agency
The only answers to this question that will continue the Online CoC request are Other DHHS agency --> Other, Other federal agency --> Other, or Non-federal.
DO NOT use the Online Certificate of Confidentiality System if your research is funded by the NIH. NIH-funded research studies that are within the scope of the NIH CoC Policy are automatically deemed issued a CoC
In addition, the Online Certificate of Confidentiality System is not the method used to request a CoC for all federal agencies. If your research is funded by any of the following, the Online Certificate of Confidentiality System will display an alert message that directs you to CoC information for the respective agency.
Agencies that have their own process for issuing a Certificate of Confidentiality:
- AHRQ - Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality
- CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- FDA - Food and Drug Administration
- HRSA - Health Resources and Services Administration
- IHS - Indian Health Service
- SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- DOJ - Department of Justice
For research funded by agencies listed above, see the How to Get a Certificate of Confidentiality page on the NIH website for CoC Coordinator contact information at the applicable funding agency.
2. Does the activity meet the definition of research as defined in 42 cfr§2a.2?
Clicking Yes on this question is consistent with eligibility for a CoC.
This refers to the Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Public Health), located here:
The relevant definition from the code is:
Research means systematic study directed toward new or fuller knowledge and understanding of the subject studied. The term includes, but is not limited to, behavioral science studies, surveys, evaluations, and clinical investigations.
3. Does the activity involve collection or use of identifiable, sensitive information as defined by 42 U.S.C 241(D)(4)?
Clicking Yes on this question is consistent with eligibility for a CoC.
This refers to Title 42 of the United States Code (Public Health and Welfare) and is located here:
The relevant definition from the code is:
(4) For purposes of this subsection, the term "identifiable, sensitive information" means information that is about an individual and that is gathered or used during the course of research described in paragraph (1)(A) and-
4. Will the activity be conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, 45 CFR 46?
Clicking Yes on this question is consistent with eligibility for a CoC.
This question asks you to verify that the research activity complies with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including Title 45 (Public Welfare) Part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects) of the Code of Federal Regulations, located here:
5. Do all personnel with major responsibilities in the research project have appropriate scientific and other training?
Clicking Yes on this question is consistent with eligibility for a CoC.
This question ascertains if personnel who have major research responsibilities also possess the training necessary to perform the research.
6. Is a waiver or alteration of informed consent under 45 CFR 46 to be used?
Clicking No on this question is consistent with eligibility for a CoC. However, clicking Yes results in a follow up question to further determine eligibility.
This question asks if you are using the informed consent as described in Title 45 (Public Welfare) Part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects) of the Code of Federal Regulations. If you are not using a waiver or alteration to the informed consent described, answer No to this question.
See section §46.116 at the following link for a description of informed consent:
If you are using a waiver or alteration, answer Yes and another question appears:
If yes, has the waiver or alteration been approved by the IRB in accordance with 45 CFR 46?
Clicking Yes on this question is consistent with eligibility for a CoC. Clicking Yes means the waiver or alteration of informed consent has been approved by the reviewing Institutional Review Board (IRB).
This question appears only if you answered Yes to question 6. Details on obtaining a waiver or alteration of consent are contained in Title 45 (Public Welfare) Part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects) of the Code of Federal Regulations, section §46.116.
US Code §46.116, sections (e) and (f), titled, Waiver or alteration of consent in research involving public benefit and service programs conducted by or subject to the approval of state or local officials, and General waiver or alteration of consent, provide details on waiving the requirement to obtain informed consent or altering or omitting some or all of the elements of informed consent, including IRB findings and approval. See section §46.116 at the following link and scroll to section (e) and (f):
After answering all questions, click the 
button to continue.
See Also