Institutional Review Board: Review Process
The IRB's intention is not to hinder research; its only objective is to ensure that human subjects' rights are protected and that the project complies with federal standards.
The IRB uses 3 types of review when evaluating research proposals:
In past years, the burden was placed upon the investigator to determine what kind of review was required. Now, investigators provide all relevant information on a single request for review form, and the IRB makes the determination about what level of review is required. This change in policy should reduce confusion about how to initiate an IRB review and what kinds of information should be provided to the IRB. This should also reduce the time needed to conduct the review.
The type of IRB review is determined through an examination of the IRB request for review form and supplemental materials (e.g., questionnaires, confidentiality statements, etc.)
To start the review process, see How to initiate an IRB review page for step-by-step instructions.
