Do independent IRBs ever become involved with an institutions research?
Although the greatest need for independent IRBs remains outside the academic and hospital setting, independent IRBs also have been used by many institutional researchers. Some research institutions have contracted with independent IRBs to provide outside review. Some institutional IRBs delegate jurisdiction and accept the review of an independent IRB when their institution is participating in a multi-center study. Some institutions have used independent IRBs as a “bridge” to an improved internal review system. Federal regulators recommend that a written agreement be executed to document any arrangement by which an institutional IRB transfers jurisdiction to or shares jurisdiction with an independent IRB. More information can be found in the FDA’s “Information Sheet Guidances – Guidance for Institutional Review Boards, Clinical Investigators, and Sponsors,” found at www.fda.gov/oc/ohrt/irbs/research.html. A sample agreement (WORD DOC format) for an institution with a federal-wide assura
