Limited Data Set (LDS)
For use under the HIPAA Policies of the University
A Limited Data Set (LDS) is described as health information that excludes certain, direct identifiers (listed below) but that may include city; state; ZIP Code; elements of date; and other numbers, characteristics, or codes not listed as direct identifiers. The direct identifiers listed in the Privacy Rule's limited data set provisions apply both to information about the individual and to information about the individual's relatives, employers, or household members.
The following identifiers must be removed from health information for the data to qualify as a limited data set
Names;
Street addresses (other than town, city, state and zip code);
Telephone numbers;
Fax numbers;
E-mail addresses;
Social Security numbers;
Medical records numbers;
Health plan beneficiary numbers;
Account numbers;
Certificate license numbers;
Vehicle identifiers and serial numbers, including license plates;
Device identifiers and serial numbers;
URLs;
IP address numbers;
Biometric identifiers (including finger and voice prints); and
Full face photos (or comparable images).
