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6. How does someone apply for IRB approval?

There is a five-step application process.

1. Fill out a protocol application form (see IRB Application template)
Applications must contain the following (they will be returned if not complete):

a. For previously approved protocols seeking renewal or continuing review, answer all questions on the continuing review application template.
b. For new protocols, answer all questions on the initial review form (see IRB Application template).
c. Attach all supporting documents, including the following where appropriate:

The complete research proposal that was submitted to an external agency

Questionnaires

Interview guides

Text for all recruitment advertisements

Recruitment materials

Informed consent and assent forms

If the study requires approval of another committee or cooperating agency, attach documentation of approval or notice of application.

Secure appropriate signatures and signature of academic advisor for student research.

2. Submit your protocol application form to your Local Review Board (LRB) (contact your Department Chair or Dean of your School /College for information about your LRB). Your LRB provides:

Peer review of your protocol’s methodological and ethical merit.
A recommendation as to whether the protocol should be "exempt" from IRB review, evaluated via an "expedited review", or requires "full IRB review" (see Template E). Please note that the LRB evaluation is only a recommendation. Only the University Institutional Review Board (IRB) can determine the status of a research protocol involving human participants.

3. Make any changes in your protocol recommended by your LRB and resubmit to your LRB.

4. LRB will forward your protocol, with a recommendation based upon their review, to the University Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the Protection of Human Research Participants.

5. The IRB will evaluate your protocol and advise you of their decision within four weeks of receiving your protocol. After receiving approval, check the continuing review procedures to determine exactly the sorts of records that must be kept in order to meet the requirements of IRB approval.