When I started as IRB administrator our form also had a department chair
signature.  It was eliminated after a discussion on what the signature
meant: approval of the research project or acknowledgment of research
activity.  We decided on the latter.  Rather than delaying the submission of
the application while securing a signature by the chair, we acknowledge the
receipt of an application to the researcher and copy the chair so that the
chair is notified. The title of the research project and the assigned IRB
number is included in the email notification. If the chair has any concerns
over the quality of the research or expertise of the researcher, he/she is
welcome to send comments to the IRB. No one has yet to comment. The chair is
also copied on the approved email but not on any other correspondence with
the researcher. This procedure was welcomed by researchers because it made
the submission process easier and eliminated the perception of suppression
of research.

Cathy

Catherine T. Anson, MA, CRA, CIM
Director of Sponsored Research
John Carroll University, AD 250
20700 North Park Blvd.
University Heights, OH  44118-4581
TEL: 216-397-4520
FAX: 216-397-1835
xxxxxx@jcu.edu
http://www.jcu.edu/research

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@hrinet.org] On Behalf Of
Johnson, Landy (Director of Grant Development)
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 3:37 PM
To: xxxxxx@hrinet.org
Subject: [RESADM-L] Dept Chair Signature on IRB Applications

Our IRB Form ends with "Department Head Signature."  We also ask for PI
signature.  There's no rationale provided, and no descriptive wording at
all.  There are no administration signatures required.

The form with "Department Head Signature" on the last line predates my time
at this institution.  I think the line is there to make sure that the
department head knows that this human subject research will potentially
occur.

When the IRB makes its decision, the decision document only bears the
signature of the IRB chair.  The department head has no role in making the
decision, only in being aware of the submission to IRB.

Landy

__________________________
Landy C. Johnson, MPA, Ph.D.
Director of Grant Development
Assumption College, Alumni Hall 024
500 Salisbury St.
Worcester, MA  01609-1296
(508)767-7666
xxxxxx@assumption.edu
http://www.assumption.edu/research

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