What is a Certificate of Confidentiality?
A Certificate of Confidentiality (CoC) is a tool for protecting the privacy of research participants. Disclosure of identifiable or sensitive information, documentation, or biospecimens is prohibited even in the case of subpoena, except in limited circumstances. Disclosure is limited to the following:
- Required Federal, State, or local laws for public health reporting of communicable diseases, or child or elder abuse reporting.
- Made with the consent of the participant; or
- Made for the purposes of scientific research that is compliant with human research regulations. This includes auditing and regulatory compliance monitoring.
Note that a Certificate of Confidentiality does not protect information related to the Illinois State mandate or the University policy to report child abuse and neglect.
Examples of sensitive research activities include but are not limited to the following: collecting genetic information; collecting information on the psychological well-being of participants; collecting information on participants' sexual attitudes, preferences, or practices; collecting data on substance abuse or other illegal risk behaviors; studies where participants may be involved in litigation related to exposures under study (e.g., breast implants, environmental or occupational exposures).
For additional information, see the NIH website regarding Certificates of Confidentiality and the Northwestern University IRB Certificate of Confidentiality webpage.