Institutional Review Boards

Silhouetted group of people with text: Institutional Review Board.Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are specialized committees required by HHS regulations that safeguard the rights and welfare of human subjects. IRBs determine “the acceptability of proposed research in terms of institutional commitments and regulations, applicable law, and standards of professional conduct and practice” (45 CFR 46.107).

The major roles of IRBs in the oversight of research are:

  1. Initial review and approval or disapproval of the proposed research activity
  2. Ensuring that the proposed informed consent process meets all of the requirements of 45 CFR 46.116
  3. Providing continuing oversight for progress reports and protocols for ongoing research studies