Requesting Limited Data Set (LDS) Files
CMS makes limited data set (LDS) files available to approved researchers. To request LDS files, researchers must complete a Data Use Agreement (DUA) with CMS. Requests for LDS DUAs are submitted via CMS’ data disclosure tracking system, EPPE.
Requesters of LDS files must adhere to the LDS DUA Terms and Conditions (PDF) at all times.
Questions about LDS files or the process for requesting LDS files can be sent to datauseagreement@cms.hhs.gov.
NOTICE: New LDS DUA Requirements starting 8/11/2026
- New Attachment A Form: CMS has updated Attachment A: LDS Request Application to be simpler and faster to complete. The form is available now and will be required starting August 11, 2026.
- Updated DUA Terms and Conditions: CMS has updated the LDS DUA Terms and Conditions to improve readability and clarity. The new terms and conditions are posted for review and will apply as of August 11, 2026.
- New Data Management Plan Self Attestation Questionnaire (DMP SAQ) Requirement: CMS will require all organizations requesting LDS Files to have an approved DMP SAQ for the environment in which they intend to store the CMS data. CMS has also updated the DMP SAQ to reflect the latest security standards, CMS Acceptable Risk Safeguards (ARS) 5.1. Organizations may establish a DMP SAQ now and, as of August 11, 2026, an approved DMP SAQ will be required for all new LDS DUA requests and existing LDS DUAs upon extension.
- New Extension Form Requirement: CMS will be collecting information on researcher’s publicly disseminated findings each year to ensure that CMS data is being used for research that contributes to generalizable knowledge. Beginning August 11, 2026, researchers must submit a DUA Extension Request form with this information in order for CMS to approve a DUA extension request.
- Download Only Requirement: To increase the security of CMS data, CMS will no longer ship LDS files on physical media. As of August 11, 2026, researchers must access LDS files via secure download from the CMS Chronic Conditions Warehouse Virtual Research Data Center.
New LDS Data File Fees starting 2/11/2027: In February 2027, CMS will increase fees for LDS files by 20%. CMS is authorized by Section 1106(b) of the Social Security Act to recoup the cost of making data available for research. The planned fee increase accounts for implementation of the DMP SAQ as well as inflation since the last fee increase, which occurred more than a decade ago. The updated fees are posted for review.
How to get started:
Review the list of available LDS files and their associated fees on the LDS Files page.
Register for the “DUA Requester” role (PDF) in the EPPE system. See more information in the “Register for EPPE” section below.
Complete the required forms. See more information in the “Forms” section below.
Create and submit the DUA request in EPPE. Use the training modules below for assistance with this step. CMS will review your request and provide a response within 3 business days.
Once the DUA is approved by CMS, you will need to pay for the data. See the Payment page for more information.
Once the DUA fee payment is confirmed, you will receive access to the data. Researchers can access LDS files via secure download (PDF), or receive a shipment of encrypted media.
- Register for EPPE
Please refer to the EPPE registration instructions and training materials below to use EPPE to request a new LDS DUA or add LDS files to an existing LDS DUA. LDS requesters are required to complete the two trainings below before accessing EPPE for the first time. Users will need to attest to completing the training when registering for EPPE roles.
Role Title Description PDF All Roles EPPE User Registration This training covers how to register for EPPE through CMS’ Identity Management system (IDM). Download (PDF) DUA Requester Requesting the DUA Requester Role This training covers how to Request the DUA Requester role in EPPE. Download (PDF) - How to Create a LDS DUA
The training module below provides instructions on how to create a new LDS DUA request in EPPE.
Title PDF New DUA Actions New DUA with New Data Files Download (PDF) New DUA with Re-Use Data Files Download (PDF) - How to Update and Manage an LDS DUA
The training modules below provides instructions on how to update and manage an existing LDS DUA in EPPE.
Title
PDF
Update/Amend DUA Actions
Update/Amend Main Information
Update/Amend Collaborating Organization(s)
Update/Amend Data Management Plan
Update/Amend Data Users(s)
Update/Amend Re-Use Data Files
Update/Amend New Data Files
EPPE DUA Management
DUA Change in Requester
DUA Requester Queues
Upload Supporting Documents
Print LDS DUA
Requesting Additional Roles
Removing a Role
Requester Proxy Assignment
Requester DUA Search
- How to Extend or Close an LDS DUA
The training modules below provides instructions on how to extend or close an existing LDS DUA in EPPE.
Title PDF Extensions and Closures Extend LDS DUA
Closing an LDS DUA
Close Select Data Files on an LDS DUA
- Forms
LDS Worksheet (ZIP) : Used to order LDS Files and to calculate pricing.
LDS Attachment A Research Application Guidelines (PDF) : A guide for creating an Attachment A for a DUA
LDS DUA Signature Addendum (PDF): Used when adding or updating Data Custodian or Data Recipient data user to an LDS DUA.
Certificate of Disposition (COD) (PDF): Used to close a DUA or close files of a DUA.
Optional Attachment A – LDS DUA Request Application (DOCX) (required starting 8/11/2026): Used to provide details about study objectives, data sources, and plans for publicly disseminating research findings.
Optional DUA Extension Form (PDF) (required starting 8/11/2026): Used to submit a DUA extension with information on the study progress and the planned contribution to generalizable knowledge.
Downloads
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Guide to Accessing Your Limited Data Set (LDS) Files (PDF) -
LDS DUA Terms and Conditions (PDF) -
NEW LDS DUA Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
Page Last Modified:
03/16/2026 06:35 PM