Our IRB will approve an outside project based on another IRB’s approval. However, a copy of the original application and approval notice must be submitted. The IRB will look over the materials (usually via email) and determine if a “local review” is necessary. If everything is “ok” with the externally approved project, then the IRB will not require an additional review. However, the IRB reserves the right to require a local review (using our forms, etc) if deemed necessary. However, I have been here two years and this rarely happens. The IRB won’t blindly give approval on any project so the approved materials must be submitted (we include it in our files as well). If electronic versions are available, then the “review” can be processed quickly. In essence the project is reviewed by the IRB without the formality of a typical review.

 

Heather Dragoo

Sponsored Research Office

University of Southern Indiana

8600 University Blvd.

Evansville, IN 47712

(812) 465-1126

xxxxxx@usi.edu

http://www.usi.edu/gr&res/ogsr.asp

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG] On Behalf Of Marcia Walker
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2004 3:16 PM
To: xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG
Subject: [RESADM-L] Multi-Institutional Surveys and IRB Approvals

 

An IRB approval issue has come up at our university, and I'm wondering if those of you who are involved with your campus human subject committee could tell me how it would be handled at your institution.

A PI at another instutition is conducting a survey of faculty members at various universities throughout the state, gathering information on their use of technology in teaching.  He has contacted one of our Deans, asking for support and encouragement of the faculty to participate, and that Dean in turn, sent out a campus-wide email encouraging everyone's participation.  The PI has received human subjects approval for the study at his home institution, but according to our IRB policy, before the survey can be conducted on our campus, an application should also be submitted to our IRB for review and approval.

Needless to say, our Dean is not happy about this "hitch," because other schools have participated and we're looking uncooperative.  But, other institutions I've checked with would follow the same policy.  Our dean's point is that if committee approval is required for each participating campus, how would anyone ever conduct a regional or national survey?  I've been asked to "poll the group" so I would appreciate any comments that you could provide. 

thanks
Marcia

Marcia Walker
Associate Director
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
208 Creative and Performing Arts Building
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, La.  71497
(318) 357-5222 (voice)
(318) 357-5250 (fax)