Data Use Information and Agreements

All HCUP data users must understand and agree to the terms of the HCUP Data Use Agreement (DUA) prior to gaining access to the data. Data purchasers have additional responsibilities related to the use and security of the HCUP data.

Data Purchasers

If you are submitting a data application, the DUAs and additional agreements for the data purchaser are completed and submitted during the check out process.

Student priced data are limited to use in student purchaser led projects and require verification of student status. Refer to the Purchasing FAQs for student priced data requirements and restrictions.

If you do not yet have an account, Register for an account and complete your account profile, including your proof of HCUP Data Use Agreement (DUA) Training prior to beginning a data purchase application.

Non-Purchaser Data Users

Submitting Data Use Agreements (DUAs)

If you will be collaborating on another person’s data project, or otherwise using data you do not own, you must submit the appropriate DUA(s) prior to gaining access to the data.

If possible, ask the data custodian to send you a link to request the necessary DUA forms; the data custodian can do this from their account after logging in. This ensures your information is linked to the data custodian correctly. Otherwise,
If you have an account, log in, then Submit DUA Without Data Purchase, or,
If you do not yet have an account, first complete the HCUP Data Use Agreement (DUA) Training. Your training certification code will be required to Register & Submit DUA Without Data Purchase.
If you cannot use these online options to submit DUAs, you may submit DUAs via fax or postal service to the HCUP Central Distributor.

Blank agreements for your reference:

Data Use Agreement for the Nationwide Databases (PDF file, 260 KB; HTML)
Data Use Agreement for the State Databases (PDF file, 251 KB; HTML)
Responsibilities of the Data Purchaser (PDF file, 107 KB; HTML)
Guide for Preparing the Statement of Intended Use for State Databases (PDF file, 71 KB; HTML)

Acknowledged agreements of record may be viewed and printed under My Account.

Re-using HCUP State Databases for a New Project

Each application and approval for State-level data is project-specific. If you have State-level HCUP data (SID, SASD, SEDD) from a previous project and wish to use the data for a purpose other than that originally approved, or as concrete projects emerge from approved exploratory work, you must submit a "Data Re-Use Request", including a new Statement of Intended Use, for review and approval by AHRQ before work may begin on the new project.

Data Re-Use requests are submitted and managed on the State Data Re-Use tab under My Account. You must be the current custodian of the HCUP data to submit a re-use request.

Statement of Intended Use

A statement of intended use is required for each new application for State-level data and each State data re-use request. Use this guide to prepare a meaningful, concise Statement of Intended Use to facilitate efficient review and approval of your data request.

Guide for Preparing the Statement of Intended Use for State Databases (PDF file, 45 KB; HTML)