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  • 1.  Replacing IRB Chair - process

    Posted 08-23-2022 09:20

    Hello,

     

    We are a small rural health system and we have a local IRB. Our IRB chair is retiring and we are looking to replace him. I cannot find any specific rules at all regarding the experience required of an IRB chair and we have no internal policy. We do pay a small stipend so this person will be an employee.

     

    Is there a requirement that the new chair have served on the IRB for a number of years or could it be someone brand new to the IRB?

     

    Does the IO have to conduct interviews in a competitive process or can she/he just appoint someone?

     

    Are there rules from HHS/OHRP regarding this at all?

     

    Thank you!

    Amy



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    Amy Peterson
    Director, Research and Sponsored Programs
    Munson Healthcare
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  • 2.  RE: Replacing IRB Chair - process

    STAR CONTRIBUTOR
    Posted 08-23-2022 12:53
    I don't believe the regulations outline any requirements for IRB chair.  I would recommend that it be someone who has experience serving on the IRB. Your IO may want to interview a potential chair, your internal policies and procedures would indicate that.  If you do not have a policy and procedure for appointment of a chair, you get to make it up as you go.  Whatever you end up doing, it might be a good idea to take the opportunity to document it in a policy.

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    Angela Bain, CIP, CIM
    Director, IRB Office
    Kennesaw State University
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  • 3.  RE: Replacing IRB Chair - process

    RISING STAR CONTRIBUTOR
    Posted 08-24-2022 05:02
    We have changed our Chair several times over the years. There are no "rules" prescribing how to do this, but good common sense will serve you well. Ensure there are clearly written duties and expectations. Ensure the person selected has the desire, willingness, and ability to serve in the role and ensure they have adequate time to do so.  While an interview process is not required (in fact we usually have to recruit people rather than have to interview multiple individuals) a heathy conversation with clear shared mutual expectations and philosophies is useful.  The appointment should be in writing. We typically would like someone with IRB experience, but if it needs to be someone ne to the committee, at least ensure there is strong human ethics understanding and experience as an end user.  As a small institution, we often have to do what is best given the context in these matters, rather than what is ideal.

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    Kris A. Monahan, Ph.D.
    Director Sponsored Projects and Research Compliance
    Providence College
    Providence, RI
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