The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), US Dept. of Health and Human Services, has a website with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) addressing the following topics that may be of interest:

• Research with Children
• Investigator Responsibilities
• Prisoner Research
• Informed Consent

1. Do I have to take a human subjects research protections training course again next year?

No, it is good for three years. You need to re-take a course again after three years.

2. Why do I need to take an IRB training course?

It is now a federal requirement that all institutions conducting federally-funded human subjects research provide proof of training in human subjects research protections. Anyone submitting a proposal to the UAA IRB must include a certificate of completion of training.

3. What are the procedures for a full IRB review?

For complete information about procedures of a review with the full Institutional Review Board, see here.

4. Does the UAA CITI IRB training course include information about HIPAA?

Yes, there is a section on HIPAA regs. If you would like to view more information about HIPAA, please go here.

5. Who should I contact if I have any questions or comments about training or any other IRB matter?

For submission and exempt proposal questions, please contact Joanne Thordarson, IRB Administrator, Office of Research and Graduate Studies (907-786-1099 or email anjkt@uaa.alaska.edu).

For questions regarding an expedited or full review proposal, please contact Dr. Claudia Lampman, Chair of the IRB (907-786-1619 or email afcbl@uaa.alaska.edu). 

6. Do all UAA faculty, students and staff need to take an IRB training course even if they are not the Principal Investigator?

All persons directly involved with human subjects research should take this training course, whether they are faculty, students, staff or if they are directly affiliated with UAA. If you are working on a human subject research project in which some of the other investigators are not affiliated with UAA, the other individuals are still required to have taken training in human subjects research protections.

7. Are there other ways that the training requirement in human research protections can be satisfied besides the CITI training course UAA offers?

Yes. There are a number of other courses, particularly one designed by the National Institutes of Health that meet this requirement. If you have already taken a training course from another institution within the last three years, then you do not need to take the UAA recommended course. However, you do need a certificate proving that you have completed the training within the last three years.

8. Is it important to keep the certificate proving that I have taken this or another training course?

Yes. You should attach a copy of the certificate to any proposal that is submitted to the UAA IRB for review. If you took a course from another institution, then you would need to attach that certificate. If you do not provide proof that you have received training in human subjects research protections, then your proposal will not be reviewed by the UAA IRB.

9. Link to frequently asked questions about research involving children.

10. Is there IRB information in the Faculty Handbook?

Yes.  Refer to Chapter VI for a good overview of IRB issues.  This chapter can be seen here.