Would like to know if other institutions require a complete full Board
review of previously approved research at set intervals.  That is, a
protocol is reviewed by full Board, has its annual review (at whatever
interval is deemed appropriate) and this process goes on for "X" number
of years.  During this process, amendments are made and consents are
revised.  Do other IRB's require a re-review of the protocol and
subsequent amendments at a set interval...for example every 5 years?  I
realize it's the Chairman's responsibility or his designee to ensure a
review takes place during all the years the protocol is open.  The
question was raised at our IRB meeting today.  Discussion took place because
we have open protocols dating to the early 1980's.  Does nayone have a firm
policy pertaining to this issue?

Rebecca Bacon
Eastern Virginia Medical School
xxxxxx@picard.evms.edu