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Purpose: The purpose is two-fold. First and foremost its purpose is to enhance the quality of human research protection in ORD-funded multi-site human research projects by performing appropriate ethical and scientific review while ensuring local issues are addressed. The second is to enhance the efficiency of these reviews.
VA Facilities: Each VA facility that plans to use the VA Central IRB must add the VA Central IRB to its Federalwide Assurance (FWA) and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the VHA Central Office (VHACO) Human Research Protection Program (HRPP). The MOU clearly delineates the respective roles and responsibilities of each entity. The local VA has ultimate responsibility for its HRPP. Instructions for adding the VA Central IRB as an IRB of Record are also included on this website, as are the VA Central IRB SOPs and forms. Guidance for local facilities in updating their own SOPs to incorporate use of the VA Central IRB is also available.
Investigators: The VA Central IRB currently only reviews VA Office of Research and Development (ORD) funded multisite research projects. After September 30, 2010, all new ORD-funded multisite research projects must be submitted to the VA Central IRB for review. This does not apply to studies that have already undergone review by other IRBs prior to this date and it only applies to studies with more than one site "engaged" in research. See the OHRP website for guidance about engagement. Investigators planning to submit a project to the VA Central IRB should contact the VA Central IRB Administrator, whose contact information is available below, as far in advance of the planned submission as possible to obtain the most current information about submission procedures. Application forms and other information concerning the operations of the VA Central IRB can also be found on this website under the Important Links box on the right-hand side of this page.
A number of VA Central IRB forms are also posted on this website to include new project application forms and information regarding reporting problems and noncompliance. More forms and policies will be posted in the future. In the interim, if you have any questions about the VA Central IRB please contact any of the following personnel:
VA Central IRB Administrative Staff
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