VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #R004

4.

THE BOARD 4.1. Membership

The VCOM IRB will have at least five members, including the Chair, with varying backgrounds to ensure complete and adequate review of the research activities conducted by the institution. The IRB will be sufficiently qualified through the experience and expertise of its members and will represent the diversity present at VCOM through its members’ race and gender as well as cultural backgrounds. To promote respect for its advice and counsel in safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects, the IRB will be sensitive to such issues as community attitudes and viewpoints. The VCOM IRB will possess the professional expertise necessary to review research activities and will determine the acceptability of proposed research activities in terms of institutional commitments and regulations, applicable law, and the standards of professional conduct and practice. In addition, the IRB will adhere to the following requirements:

• The Board will not consist entirely of men or entirely of women. • The Board will not consist entirely of members of one profession.

• There will be at least one member whose primary concerns are in scientific areas. • There will be at least one member whose primary concerns are in nonscientific areas. • At least one member will be a community member who is not affiliated with VCOM either

through employment, contractual relationship, or immediate family. • There will be at least one member who is an osteopathic physician.

The IRB may invite individuals with expertise in special areas to assist in the review of complex issues. These individuals, “ad hoc members,” cannot vote on the approval or disapproval of research. Ad hoc members are encouraged to be present (or via teleconference/videoconference) during discussion and deliberation of the proposal. Ad hoc members will be excused from the meeting prior to voting. If a member of the IRB has a vested interest in research being reviewed (principal investigator, investigator, student who is an investigator, etc.), that member may be present during the review in order to answer questions and elaborate but will be excused before deliberations and voting begins. In addition to the voting members of the IRB and any necessary ad hoc members, non-voting members will be present as needed to provide administrative support. Normally, such members will consist of an administrative officer or secretary and the IRB Coordinator. 4.2. Appointments The VCOM IRB is an “operational committee” of the College and is administered by the Office of the Provost of the College. Appointment of the Chair is made by the Provost of the College. This decision will be based on length and quality of service to the committee as well as leadership ability. The appointed Chair should have a thorough understanding of the regulations and policies of the IRB and should have sufficient time and resources to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Individual IRB members will be nominated by the Chair and appointed by the Provost of the College.

VCOM Institutional Review Board Policies and Procedures

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