Public Use Datasets | IRB

Public use datasets are made with the intention of being available to the public. The UNCG IRB recognizes that de-identified, publicly available data does not constitute human subject research. As such, the UNCG IRB allows the use of the below reviewed and pre-approved public datasets without IRB review if the following are met:

• The researcher will not merge the data with any other data that would allow the possibility of identification of any individual.
• The researcher will not enhance the dataset with information that would allow the possibility of identification of any individual.
• The dataset does not have restricted or limited data access (ex. requires a password, data use agreement or permission to view). This type of data is not considered publicly available and will require IRB review.

Datasets that can be used without IRB approval IF all criteria are met:

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

• Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS; only public data)

National Center for Health Statistics

• National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
• National Health Care Survey (NHCS)

U.S. Bureau of the Census

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

This list will continue to be updated as researchers make requests to add specific data sets. Requests can be made by emailing ORI@uncg.edu.