How is confidentiality of information assured?
Confidentiality is mandated by law. Findings will be issued only in summary form and U.S. law requires that the name of study participants not be associated with any answers. Unauthorized disclosure of confidential information is punishable by fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 and could result in imprisonment for up to 5 years. Also, a section of the NCHS Staff Manual on Confidentiality further explains the prohibitions against disclosure of confidential information.
