VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #R003

1. PURPOSE The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct in the pursuit of knowledge. This policy establishes the institutional framework for the fair, timely, and consistent assessment of allegations of research misconduct. VCOM maintains a "zero tolerance" environment for misconduct to foster responsible research conduct and protect scientific integrity, the College's reputation, and public safety. This is done in full compliance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Research Integrity (ORI). 2. SCOPE This policy applies to all individuals engaged in research conducted under the auspices of VCOM, whether funded by the Public Health Service (PHS) or other sources, in accordance with 42 CFR Part 93, as amended. Such research includes biomedical or behavioral research, research training, or related activities conducted at or for VCOM. Consistent with 42 CFR Part 93.102, this policy applies VCOM personnel (faculty, staff, administrators, and clinicians), trainees (students, residents, and fellows), and affiliates (contractors, consultants, and collaborative partners). This policy applies to all research activities, including the design, conduct, or reporting of research, regardless of an individual’s employment or enrollment status at the time an allegation is reported. This policy does not supersede separate procedures for fiscal improprieties, criminal matters, or the ethical treatment of human and animal subjects. 3. DEFINITION OF RESEARCH MISCONDUCT Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism (FFP), in proposing, performing, reviewing, or reporting research. • Fabrication is making up data or results and recording or reporting them. • Falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record. • Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit. Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion. VCOM is not required to inquire into or investigate allegations of research misconduct that occurred more than six (6) years before the date VCOM receives the allegation (§ 93.104). Exceptions to this limit include: • The respondent has been found to have committed misconduct in another matter, • ORI determines that the delay was due to circumstances beyond the complainant’s control, and/or • Circumstances involving the public health or safety are at risk. 4.2. Evidentiary Standards A finding of research misconduct under this policy requires that: • There is significant departure from accepted practices of the relevant research community; • The misconduct was committed intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly; and 4. JURISDICTIONAL REQUIREMENTS 4.1. Time Limitations

VCOM Policy on Research Misconduct

Page 2 of 7