What does the term “exempt” mean in relation to human subjects review?
The term “exempt” refers to research that may be reviewed through a process called expedited review that does not involve the full human subjects committee. This process is generally faster than a full review. “Exempt” does not mean that human subjects requirements have been waived for a particular research project or that the researcher does not have to complete a human subjects form. Researchers are not permitted to declare that their own research projects or those of their students are exempt; this is a decision that can be made only by the designated human subjects reviewer.
