Confidential and implied confidential data may be requested from HHS but require an agreement for release. All data agreements are coordinated through the Data Governance Program. This includes requests for row-level or individual level data, even if de-identified.
Statistical summary data which are not considered implied confidential may be released without an agreement. For summary and county-level data, please contact the appropriate program area or send an email to rerc@hhs.iowa.gov
Separate processes exist for different types of data requests. These processes and all associated policies are outlined below. Due to staffing constraints, there may be delays in Iowa HHS processing external data requests. This delay could be six months or longer. In some cases, Iowa HHS may be unable to fulfill data requests.
Tips to help expedite the review of your application:
- Submit the application as early in your process as possible.
- Complete the application as fully and with as much detail as possible.
- Submit supporting documentation which may include grant or funding notices, IRB notice, consent forms and protocols, and anything else that may be applicable.
Research
Researchers may request Iowa HHS-owned data. A Research Agreement must be in place for any of these data to be used for research purposes. The Research and Ethics Review Committee (RERC) is responsible for receiving and evaluating all requests for Iowa HHS-owned data. The RERC meets regularly to review applications for research agreements.
Once an application is received, it will be placed in queue for RERC review upon receipt of all necessary documentation. After the complete application is received, the documents will be reviewed, and a response will be provided to the primary investigator. The timing of reviews and final decisions are dependent on completeness of the application including a variables list and IRB documentation, primary investigator responsiveness to comments or questions from the RERC, HHS resources, and the number of applications under review at that time.
To initiate a Research Agreement with Iowa HHS, please review the policies and guidance documents found below. Then submit a completed application, including variables requested, and other required documentation (see Research Agreement Application Checklist) for RERC review. 
Questions, application, and any supporting documentation should be submitted to rerc@hhs.iowa.gov
Non-Research
HHS collects and maintains a wide variety of datasets, which may be available upon the approval of a Data Sharing Agreement. Data Sharing Agreements are required for the release of confidential or implied confidential data for non-research purposes. Examples of non-research include (but are not limited to) verification with vital records data, public health practice, and evaluations. All Data Sharing Agreements are coordinated through the HHS Data Governance Program. The data received shall only be used for the recorded purpose and requestors are expected to comply with all confidentiality policies to protect the privacy of subjects.
To initiate a Data Sharing Agreement with HHS, please review the policies found below related to data release and complete the application. 
Questions, application, and any supporting documentation should be submitted to rerc@hhs.iowa.gov