Before you publish results based on any HCUP database, confirm that the manuscript follows the requirements of the HCUP Data Use Agreement (DUA). Each HCUP database has its own specific DUA; copies are available under Databases on HCUP-US.

Verify the following privacy protections:

• There is no identification of individual persons in your publication, either directly or indirectly.
• There are no cells in the tables and figures based on tabulated data less than or equal to 10 individual records.
• There is no identification of hospitals in your publication. All aggregate statistical reporting has at least two hospitals in any individual cell.

The HCUP DUA also requires citation of HCUP and the specific databases:

• Verify that the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and the HCUP database(s) are correctly cited in the abstract and manuscript. Review citation examples for specific details.

• HCUP nationwide databases (NIS, KID, and NEDS)
• If space allows in the manuscript, please acknowledge all of the HCUP Data Partners that contribute to HCUP. A current list of the HCUP Data Partners is provided (Word file, 25 KB; PDF file, 16 KB; HTML). As an alternative, include in the manuscript a link to the HCUP-US web page that contains the list of State organizations (www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/hcupdatapartners.jsp).
• HCUP State databases (SID, SASD, and SEDD)
• At a minimum, reference the State name(s) and the HCUP databases used. If space allows in the manuscript, please acknowledge the HCUP Data Partner(s) by name. A list of HCUP Data Partners for reference in publications is provided (Word file, 25 KB; PDF file, 16 KB; HTML).

There are additional requirements for publications authored by AHRQ staff.

If you have questions, please contact HCUP User Support:
Toll free: 1-866-290-HCUP
E-mail: hcup@ahrq.gov