What is a Certificate of Confidentiality (CoC)?
Certificates of Confidentiality are issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to protect the privacy of research subjects by protecting investigators and institutions from being compelled to release information that could be used to identify subjects with a research project. Certificates of Confidentiality are issued to institutions or universities where the research is conducted. They allow the investigator and others who have access to research records to refuse to disclose identifying information in any civil, criminal, administrative, legislative or other proceedings, whether at the federal, state or local level. Certificates of Confidentiality: Background Information
How do I apply for an NIH Certificate of Confidentiality (CoC)?
The NIH has developed a CoC Kiosk, which will provide you with the complete information you need to apply for a CoC. Please visit: NIH CoC Kiosk If you need assistance in this process, please contact the IRB office.