Data retention and disposal plan ================================ StatMedAnalysis | Original downloadable worksheet | 6 November 2026 Assign responsibility for retaining and securely disposing of research materials. How to use this worksheet Inventory raw data, derived files, code, consent records and backups separately. Determine applicable retention requirements before choosing dates. Record the responsible owner, storage controls and disposal evidence. Include copies held by collaborators and scheduled backup expiry. Save a working copy and keep the original blank version. Use public, hypothetical or aggregate information only; do not enter patient identifiers, credentials or confidential records. Keep source evidence in your approved project workspace. Mark unresolved text fields UNKNOWN or NOT REPORTED with a reason; never substitute zero for an unknown count. Project/version __________________ Prepared by role/date __________________ Working fields 1. Material class and inventory location Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 2. Applicable retention requirement Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. Retention start event and end date rule Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 4. Storage and authorised roles Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 5. Backup and collaborator copies Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 6. Legal hold or preservation exception Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 7. Disposal method and evidence Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 8. Owner and periodic review Response/evidence: _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Hypothetical worked case A fictional project deletes its working folder while a shared backup retains the same files. The disposal record is incomplete until backup retention and collaborator copies are addressed under the approved policy. Decision rule and limitations Do not set a universal retention period without applicable requirements. Document authorised exceptions and verify disposal rather than assuming deletion of one copy removes all copies. Decision _______________________ Remaining uncertainty ____________________ Next action ____________________ Owner / review date ______________________ Independent check and discrepancy resolution _______________________________ Official method or reporting reference checked 6 November 2026 https://sharing.nih.gov/data-management-and-sharing-policy/planning-and-budgeting-for-data-management-and-sharing/writing-a-data-management-and-sharing-plan This is an original planning aid, not an official checklist, validated instrument, clinical recommendation or certificate of expert approval. Apply the referenced guidance to the specific design and record any additional requirements.