NCHS does all it can to assure that the identity of data subjects cannot be disclosed through public-use data sets; all direct identifiers, as well as any characteristics that might lead to identification, are omitted from the data set. Nevertheless, it may be possible in rare instances, through complex analysis and with outside information on sample cases, to ascertain from the dataset the identity of particular persons or establishments. Disclosure of such information would be a violation of the assurances of confidentiality given to the providers of the information.
Therefore, in accordance with the above-referenced Federal statute, it is understood that:
1. No one is to use the data in this data set in any way except for statistical reporting and analysis; and
2. If the identity of any person or establishment should be discovered inadvertently, then (a) no use will be made of this knowledge, (b) the Director of NCHS will be advised of this incident, (c) the information that would identify any individual or establishment will be safeguarded or destroyed, as requested by NCHS, and (d) no one else will be informed of the discovered identity.
3. No one will attempt to link this data set with individually identifiable records from any other NCHS or non-NCHS data set.
By accessing this data set you signify your agreement to comply with the above-stated statutorily-based requirements with the knowledge that deliberately making a false statement in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the Federal Government violates 18 U.S.C. 1001 and is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or up to 5 years in prison.