Application Materials
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has implemented a standardized application process for the evaluation, review and potential approval of requests for protected data for research or public health purposes.
Researchers who have used DHCS protected data in the past and need a renewal of the Data Use Agreement (DUA) are required to file a complete new research application as described below.
In general, the DHCS DRC will not support research that will lead to the creation of a product or tool that the researcher or funder intends to market. For example, the DHCS DRC may deny data requests from requestors wanting to evaluate the impact of prescription drugs if a pharmaceutical company finances the study directly or indirectly.
Due to the current state budget restrictions, requests for data will be prioritized and there may be considerable amounts of delay even if the data request is approved. Data years requested must be within 10 years of the current date.
Requestors must submit a complete application packet composed of the following:
For Research:
For Public Health:
Exhibits that accompany the Data Use Agreements (for your files and information):
Application materials must be submitted via the two following methods:
- Electronically to DHCSDRC@dhcs.ca.gov.
- A signed and dated hard copy of the Application Form and Data Use Agreement must be mailed to:
Department of Health Care Services
Attn: Data and Research Committee
P.O. Box 997413
1501 Capitol Ave. MS 0000
Sacramento, CA 95899-7413
Confirmation of receipt of the application packet by DHCS will be sent to the researcher via e-mail.
If you have any questions, please contact the DRC coordinator at DHCSDRC@dhcs.ca.gov or (916) 440-7617.