NIH has updated its policy regarding Certificates of Confidentiality in order to implement Section 2012 of the 21st Century Cures Act, enacted December 13, 2016. Effective October 1, 2017, NIH funded (partially or wholly) research studies that are collecting identifiable, sensitive information will automatically be issued a Certificate of Confidentiality as part of the terms and conditions of the award.听 More information is available on the IRB's Guidance Documents page and NIH's .