Researchers have several choices for accessing NLMS data. These options vary depending on the scope of the research and whether the researcher requires direct access to the data. The NLMS Analysis File is our core file for analysis purposes.  This file contains Current Population Survey (CPS) responses for selected survey samples from 1973 to 2011 with mortality follow up information from 1979 through 2011 for each respondent. The NLMS Database consists of the NLMS Analysis File and supplemental files. Supplemental files include Medicare and Medicaid data, SEER information for selected records, Decennial Census information at the tract and county level and characteristics of the area near the respondent's location at the time of the survey (e.g. distance to nearby hospitals, parks, etc.)

Research access to the entire NLMS database is arranged through the Principal Investigators of the NLMS sponsoring agencies. Researchers complete and submit a research proposal to the Principal Investigator of an NLMS sponsoring agency.  Research topics of interest should fall within the general health interests of the sponsoring agency. Research proposals are then submitted by the sponsoring agency to the Census Bureau where they are logged in and then submitted to the NLMS Steering Committee for review and final approval.  The maximum review period is two weeks.  The Steering Committee determines the priority of all NLMS research. Committee approved projects are assigned to an NLMS statistician within the U.S. Census Bureau’s Mortality Research Group (MRG). The assigned MRG statistician works directly with the researcher as a statistical consultant and as the interface to the NLMS database to accomplish researcher goals.

As analysis proceeds, all intermediary results are immediately made available to the researcher for viewing through the Research Output Direct Access System (RODAS). This system allows researchers to make on the spot decisions about next steps in the analysis process and have the next analysis step implemented; all of this occurring on a flow basis. Results are viewed by the researcher using their own computer, through a secure network from a designated, confidential, location such as the researcher’s home or office. Once final research results have been obtained and placed in a table suitable for publication, the table will be submitted to the Census Bureau’s Data Review Board (DRB) for review and approval for release.

The use of RODAS allows the researcher to view intermediary, confidential, statistical outputs from analyses without having them reviewed for confidentiality issues by the DRB. To be eligible to use the RODAS, the researcher must have an approved research proposal and have completed the steps to be given the Census Bureau’s Special Sworn Status (SSS).

A researcher may work with the most current NLMS files on-site at the U.S. Census Bureau by applying for Special Sworn Status (SSS). The researcher must first gain research sponsorship of a project through an NLMS sponsoring agency (see below for more information on sponsoring agencies), and then they must apply for SSS through Norm Johnson, U.S. Census Bureau NLMS Principal Investigator. Upon approval of these steps, the researcher would then conduct their research on-site, using a dedicated computer with support assistance available from the NLMS staff, as requested.

Researchers access the most current NLMS analysis file through the Federal Statistical Research Data Centers (FSRDC). To accomplish their goals, researchers work directly with an FSRDC administrator and follow their application process. The following link provides a list of the current Federal Statistical Research Data Centers.

An NLMS public-use file is available.  During the COVID-19 epidemic and for the foreseeable future, this file may be requested, for no charge, through the website: https://biolincc.nhlbi.nih.gov/studies/nlms/

Due to the confidential nature of the NLMS Title 13 data, the NLMS Public-use file is limited in content.