Don't make the mistake that the only protocols to worry about are the medical ones.  While we have a medical school, the vast majority of the protocols reviewed at our board meetings are non-medical surveys and student projects.  AND some of the most horrific problems are as a result of a poorly thought-out survey.

Our board meets monthly, and we found that our meetings were so long that after covering the protocol review, we had problems meeting quorem.  We never got down to other business that the IRB needs to discuss.  BTW, the board accepts into record a list of projects reviewed/approved expedited, and allows for any discussion on that list.  I don't recall the CFR, but I believe you are required to have a mechanism for informing the board on expedited/exempt protocols.

We started a quarterly luncheon/dinner meeting.  At this meeting, no protocols are reviewed, no decisions are made that require a quorum, but issues (such as the education requirement, changes proposed for board makeup, etc. )  can get discussed and ideas batted around.  Although some people come for the free meals, it is very helpful to get at some of those things you have been putting off.

Sally Eckert-Tilotta, Ph.D., Interim Director
Office of Research & Program Development
University of North Dakota
PO Box 7134
Grand Forks, ND  58202
Tel:  701-777-2049
Fax:  701-777-2504
Email:  xxxxxx@mail.und.nodak.edu

>>> Matthew Clark <xxxxxx@IASTATE.EDU> 03/01/01 02:10PM >>>
Hi everyone,

I'm interested in hearing from other universities without medical schools,
where the majority of IRB protocols are for surveys or student projects.

My question is how frequently your entire board meets and whether you
include discussion of protocols that would normally qualify for expedited
review.  Do you think it is prudent for board members to meet periodically
(perhaps monthly) to discuss issues or review protocols even when full
board review is not necessary?

I am of the opinion that the exchange between the board members is
important.  Otherwise, we might go an entire year without meeting.  Some on
my campus are not convinced.  What advice do you have?

thanks, Matt

Matthew E. Clark, JD
Director, Office of Sponsored Programs Administration
Iowa State University
(515)294-5225

======================================================================
 Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including
 subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available
 via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists")
======================================================================

======================================================================
 Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including
 subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available
 via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists")
======================================================================