Howard University Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Frequently Asked Questions

	Question:	Why do I need IRB approval? I’m only intending to review charts and not interact with human participants.
	Answer:	All research that is conducted involving human participants must be reviewed by the HUIRB. Although some types of research on human participants may be eligible for an exemption, under federal regulations. Such exemptions can only be determined by the HUIRB.

	Question:	What do I have to do to renew my application?
	Answer:	A Status Report Form must be completed for the study. The cover letter should request a continuation and all pertinent documents/information should be attached. Just like with the new submission, the original and three copies should be forwarded to the IRB Office. The Status Report Form can be downloaded from the HUIRB webpage.

	Question:	May I pick my reviewers?
	Answer:	No. The reviewers are chosen by the HUIRB staff.

	Question:	Can you tell me who reviewed my protocol?
	Answer:	No. The identity of the reviewers is anonymous.

	Question:	Can I see what the reviewers said about my protocol?
	Answer:	A letter will be generated informing you of the results of the review.

	Question:	Why can’t you accept and review my protocol the day of the meeting, after all the meeting hasn’t started yet.
	Answer:	The protocols that are received prior to the deadline (Thursdays preceding the meetings), are forwarded to the IRB members to allow them ample time to thoroughly review them.

	Question:	How many copies do you need?
	Answer:	In addition to the original, three copies are needed. The original remains in the files, while the primary reviewer, the secondary reviewer and the reader each get the copies.

	Question:	How long will it take to get approved?
	Answer:	After the meeting, a letter or e-mail transmission should be received within a week.

	Question:	I have determined that I am exempt, so why can’t I just do my research?
	Answer:	According to the federal regulations under which the Board operates, exemption is determined by the Board.

	Question:	Can I pick up my letter after the meeting?
	Answer:	After the meetings, which are concluded at night, the Minutes must be done in order to compile all of the reviewers comments. As soon as a letter is ready, the principal investigator is notified.

	Question:	What if my Dean is unavailable, who’s going to sign my Face Page?
	Answer:	Most Deans have a designee who has signatory authority. If not, notify the IRB office for guidance.

	Question:	Why can’t I recruit study participants from my practice?
	Answer:	Confidentiality may be a concern. In the human participants section, describe in great detail why this population cannot be found elsewhere.

	Question:	At what point do I need to submit my application to the HUIRB, when the grant is submitted to the funding source or when the funding is approved?
	Answer:	It is recommended that Principal Investigators submit simultaneously.

	Question:	Can I come to the meeting to explain to the committee what I want to do?
	Answer:	The membership of the HUIRB has a wide range of expertise. If questions are raised that cannot be adequately addressed, an Investigator may be invited to a meeting.

	Question:	Can I see a copy of my friend’s/colleague’s/someone else’ protocol?
	Answer:	All protocols are held in strictest confidence. Only individuals listed on the protocol can have access to the protocols.

	Question:	Since I’m doing all of the work, why aren’t I the Principal Investigator?
	Answer:	The HUIRB only accepts applications from its’ own faculty.

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