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 monthly 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 receipt of the complete application, 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, primary investigator responsiveness to comments or questions from the RERC, and the number of applications under review at that time.
To initiate a Research Agreement with Iowa HHS, please review the below policies and guidance documents. A completed application, including variables requested, and other required documentation (see Research Agreement Application Checklist) must be submitted for RERC review. Questions and application materials can be sent 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 below policies related to data release and complete the application. Questions and application can be sent to rerc@hhs.iowa.gov
