Please find below the steps for gaining access to secure data housed on the DAC Information Systems. Should you require any assistance please use the Contact Us page to let us know how we can help!
Note: Effective 7/1/2024 the DAC no longer supports new DUA submissions for Physical Data access. Only new DUA submissions for Virtual Data access will be accepted.
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Project Review Application Process
The DAC uses this information to determine if the study aims and objectives align with the TDI Mission, is feasible with available data, and that the proposed budget aligns with the scope of work.
The estimated timeline for the project review application process from submission to the DAC to committee approval is 2 - 3 weeks.
CMS Data Use Agreement (DUA) Information & Processes
The DAC is responsible for tracking and documenting all DUA compliance for any research study approved by CMS accessing CMS RIF data housed on the DAC Information System.
The estimated timeline for issuance of a new DUA from submission to the DAC to CMS approval for data use is 5 - 7 months.
Note: Effective 7/1/2024 the DAC no longer supports new DUA submissions for Physical Data access. Only new DUA submissions for Virtual Data access will be accepted.
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
The DAC is responsible for ensuring research projects using CMS data held on the DAC Information Systems obtain a project specific IRB and maintain throughout the life span of the DUA.
All IRB inquiries should be directed to the Dartmouth Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS) office.
The estimated timeline for issuance of a new IRB from submission to CPHS to approval may be several months.
DAC Annual Security & Compliance Trainings
Throughout the life span of a DAC managed project all Project Team Members and Server Seat Holders are required to complete all of the Canvas training modules. Compliance requirements must be met before any new or renewal access will be approved for a User to access secure data housed on the DAC Information Systems.
Student Research Criteria
Students should consider several factors when deciding which type of data to use depending on the amount of time they have and the funds available for the project. Students may request CMS data for their dissertation project and are required to complete the same paperwork as any other requestor.
A Faculty Mentor is required for a student specific DUA to be submitted to and approved by CMS.
CMS requires a new student specific DUA if the student is Not or has NOT been working on their faculty mentor’s project or if the student project deviates from the aims and scope of their faculty mentor’s approved DUA they have been working on.
CMS does NOT require a new student specific project when the aims and scope of the students project fall with in their faculty mentor’s approved DUA they have been working on.
Note: CMS does not waive fees for a DUA with VRDC data access as there are not separate fees for data access, data fees are part of the DUA project fee.