The primary purpose of a Certificate of Confidentiality (CoC) is to protect the privacy of research participants by prohibiting the forced disclosure of identifiable, sensitive research information. This means it protects identifiable research information from compelled disclosure in legal proceedings or other demands, thereby safeguarding the confidentiality of the participants' information gathered during research.
Key Points about Certificates of Confidentiality
- CoCs limit disclosure of identifiable and sensitive information about research participants in federal, state, or local civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceedings.
- They allow researchers to refuse to disclose identifying information even in response to subpoenas or court orders.
- The protection covers names, documents, biospecimens, or any information that could be used to identify an individual.
- CoCs encourage participation in research by assuring participants their sensitive information will be kept confidential.
- Disclosure is permitted only if the participant consents or under limited exceptions such as reporting required by law (e.g., communicable diseases, abuse reporting).
Thus, the primary function of the Certificate of Confidentiality is to protect identifiable research information from forced or compelled disclosure to ensure participant privacy and confidentiality in sensitive research contexts.
In summary:
A Certificate of Confidentiality serves to protect identifiable, sensitive
research information from compelled legal disclosure, safeguarding participant
privacy.
