To promote scholarly research and education, as well as collection preservation and conservation, The National Museum of Health and Medicine has set forth the following access policies for its research collections. All rules are consistent with Museum and Armed Forces Institute of Pathology policies and procedures, as well as with United States Army Regulation AR 190 – 18, Section 4.

In the interests of preservation, conservation, and broadest continued use by all qualified scholars, direct access to the collections may be determined by the opportunities for Museum staff to accompany investigators.

Rules and regulations governing the use of the collections are the follows:

1. Research collections may be available to qualified investigators during normal working hours (7.30am -11.45am, 12.20pm -3.30pm, Monday through Friday), upon written application to the proper museum staff member or Director.
2. Requests for collection use must be made in writing in advance and be approved by museum staff. For complex projects, such as those requiring museum equipment, numerous specimens, or access for more than two days, a written request must be submitted at least two weeks in advance. Appointments may be made for times up to three months from the date of request.
3. Written requests should include desired dates, times, materials desired and equipment required. Initial requests should be accompanied by a statement of purpose, publication and dissemination plans, and or resume or C.V. including reprints or reference to relevant publications.
4. Investigators must be accompanied by museum staff at all times.
5. Collection material must remain in the collection area at all times.
6. Only one specimen may be use at a time.
7. All refilling must be done by staff only.
8. Direct access to case documentation is limited to museum staff only.
9. Food and drink are not allowed in collection area.