Health Analytics Research Platform (HARP)

The HARP Computing Environment

HARP is comprised of secure high-performance servers within the Joint High Performance Computing Exchange (JHPCE), a High-Performance Computing facility in the Department of Biostatistics at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It is maintained at a high-security level in accordance with federal regulations governing secure computer systems (e.g., the Federal Information Security Management Act-FISMA) and meets strict security and privacy requirements of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

HARP servers utilize Linux-based operating systems, and data can be stored and analyzed using SAS, Stata, and R. Please note that “Windows-based” programs are not available in the HARP environment. Users wishing to use other software are responsible for the licensing costs. Installation of the specialized software will be evaluated by HARP staff on a case-by-case basis.

Assistance with Access to Restricted CMS Data

Note: Access to HARP is available to HBHI-affiliated and HEADS Center-affiliated investigators. Unaffiliated investigators will be considered for HARP server privileges if their mentor or collaborator on their research project is an affiliated investigator.

Working with restricted CMS data requires a Data Use Agreement (DUA) specifically permitting the scope of research and storage of the data on the HARP. We can evaluate whether your proposed project falls under an existing DUA and if so, refer you to the PI of that DUA. If not, HBHI-affiliated investigators may create their own DUA by submitting an application to reuse CMS data stored on the HARP. The DUA application may be submitted directly to the ResDAC by the investigator, and HARP staff can provide support with drafting the application and obtaining approval. Investigators may also purchase new data with their new DUA request or through a DUA amendment. We can assist with the request and with data delivery to ensure compliance with CMS’ security and privacy requirements. For more information on CMS data, including data dictionaries and more information about the DUA request process, please visit the ResDAC website.

Purchase of new data or reuse of CMS data under the investigator’s new DUA will be subject to fees paid directly to CMS. Once an executed DUA is obtained and provided to the HARP staff, access to the HARP and data can be granted. Current DUA documentation must be sent to HARP staff annually.

HARP also handles data access changes for research personnel. Partnering with JHPCE, HARP provides new users with training on data privacy and security and working in a Linux environment. We can also terminate user access at the request of the DUA PI.