Policies

Current policies related to the Duke Health IRB and Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) are located here. View the complete list of policies.The policies are below, and you can search for policies in the following categories:

Non-compliance

Compliance

The policy defines non-compliance (serious or continuing) and gives examples.  The policy describes how the IRB handles allegations of non-compliance, the process for review, and actions available to the convened IRB.

On-going Training for IRB Office Staff, Chairs and IRB Members

Conduct of Research

This policy describes the ongoing training of IRB office staff, chairs, and members, including monthly IRB board training, and evaluation of ongoing training needs

Pathology Tissue/Specimen Exclusions

Conduct of Research

The link below provides information on tissue/specimens that may be excluded from routine submission to surgical pathology: navigate to the DUMC Surgical Pathology website and then scroll down to find "Duke Operative Specimen Exemption".

Permissible Interim Activities

Activities Permitted Before IRB and Institutional Approvals

This policy applies to all research involving human participants that is reviewed by the Duke University Health System (DUHS) Institutional Review Board (IRB). The requirements described in this policy also apply to any study conducted by a Duke investigator that has external IRB oversight.  The purpose of this policy is to define the research-related activities that are permissible under DUHS policies and applicable federal regulations prior to IRB approval, and then also during the period between IRB approval and institutional approval.

Placement of a Research Consent Form in the Participant's Medical Record

Consent

This policy defines when the research consent form should be filed within the participant's medical record and when it should not be placed there.

Planned Research in an Emergency Setting

Review by the IRB

Planned emergency research is research conducted in emergency settings with participants who cannot provide informed consent because of their life-threatening medical conditions and who do not have an available legally authorized representative. The participant or the participant’s legally authorized representative must be informed about the clinical trial as soon as possible and provide consent if the participant wishes to continue.

Pregnancy Testing

Conduct of Research

The Duke University Health System (DUHS) Institutional Review Board (IRB) has determined that all females who are of child-bearing potential being considered for participation in a research study, in which there is a possibility of harm to a fetus from the study interventions, must have a negative pregnancy test before undergoing any study-related activities with a potential risk to a fetus.  This policy describes Duke requirements for pregnancy testing regimens used in research studies.  Additionally, the policy presents a definition for the term "child-bearing potential".

Pregnant Partners of Research Subjects

Conduct of Research

This policy concerns male research subjects’ partners who become pregnant while the male subject is involved in a research study using an investigational drug.  The policy details considerations for when a sponsor is asking investigators to collect data on pregnancies that occur in partners of male subjects.

Pregnant Women, Fetuses, and Neonates

Vulnerable Populations

The policy provides definitions and outlines what conditions must be met before the IRB can approve research involving pregnant women, fetuses, and neonates of uncertain viability.