Frequently Asked Questions about the LINKAGE Program

Does NIA LINKAGE Program support shipped data access?

No, the NIA LINKAGE Program does not support shipped data.

I am an HRS or NHATS Researcher. How can I migrate to the LINKAGE Program?

You can do so by completing the following three steps.

1. Establish a new data access agreement with HRS or NHATS .

   • HRS has guidance on how to access HRS data .
2. Establish an NIA DUA .

3. Access your LINKAGE Enclave workspace, where you’ll analyze your authorized LINKAGE datasets.

   • (Optional) You can import any non-sensitive* files, such as statistical programs and reference literature, to your workspace.

*For data security reasons, you cannot import derivative CMS datasets to your LINKAGE Enclave workspace. However, you can import the program files you used to develop those datasets, provided they do not contain any sensitive data.

After I’ve completed my analyses, how do I export my research findings from the LINKAGE Enclave?

The LINKAGE Enclave has a tool that you can use to request the export of files from your Enclave workspace. When you submit a request, the LINKAGE team will assess:

1. Any CMS-related content for the inclusion of small cells, which CMS defines as cell values of 1 to 10; and
2. Any sensitive system information, which federal security regulations define as meta-data, such as server names.

If your files contain this information, we will reject your request and provide guidelines for removing the unauthorized content from your files. If there are no issues, we will approve your request to export files.

Please note that Studies participating in the Program may have export policies specific to their datasets. Please contact the Study whose data you use to obtain details on those policies and how they are enforced.

For more information about the disclosure process, please visit Disclosure Review and File Transfer Process .

How do I establish a new data access agreement for HRS or NHATS data?

For HRS data access, please follow HRS’ process: Accessing CMS Data | Health and Retirement Study (umich.edu) . For HRS support please send an email to hrsrdaapplication@umich.edu .

For NHATS data access, please follow NHATS’s process: National Health and Aging Trends Study (nhats.org) . (PDF, 644k) For NHATS support please send an email to nhats-cms-data@jh.edu .

How do I establish an NIA Data Use Agreement (DUA)?

To request NIA DUA support, contact LINKAGE support at support@linkagesupport.zendesk.com or (650) 558-8310 M-F 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where can I find the disclosure process for my Study?

Please refer to your NIA-funded Study’s webpage and contact your Study for further information.

Why are there two related disclosure review processes?

Each NIA-funded Study develops individualized policies for file transfers disclosure review which may differ from the NIA Data Linkage Disclosure Review process. In the case of confliction guidelines, the most conservative disclosure review process will be followed.

How long does the disclosure review process take?

The disclosure review process for the LINKAGE Program can take 24-48 hours after submission.

Is there a best practice for preparing materials for disclosure submission?

Yes. Visit Requirements for exporting files for more information.

How can I protect the identity of data requests and how does this relate to CMS’s cell size suppression?

Visit Requirements for exporting files for more information about cell suppression or recategorization.

What resources does my LINKAGE Enclave workspace have, and what is the best way to use them?

For questions about your Enclave workspace and how to use it, contact LINKAGE support at support@linkagesupport.zendesk.com or (650) 558-8310 M-F 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

How do I access my Enclave workspace?

For help accessing your Enclave workspace, contact LINKAGE support at support@linkagesupport.zendesk.com or (650) 558-8310 M-F 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

I am encountering an issue with my Enclave workspace. How can I troubleshoot it

For help troubleshooting issues in the Enclave, contact LINKAGE support at support@linkagesupport.zendesk.com or (650) 558-8310 M-F 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

I have questions about the applicability of this policy for my NIA grant. Who should I contact?

Please contact Melissa Stryker in the NIA Division of Behavioral and Social Research (BSR) at NIACMSDataRequest@mail.nih.gov .

DBSR