Governance discussion item: IRB Statement

[aebudden]

Policy on Institutional Review Board approval for human surveys
When developing the data privacy policy the question of 'data collected as part of ESIP affiliated reach" and IRB requirements arose. The Governance discussion at that time determined that ESIP doesn't need to seek IRB since ESIP is not a research organization. Per the National Research Act’74, IRB applies to organizations receiving Federal funds for research and evaluation studies. ESIP facilitates research within the community and does not conduct their own research. As such, any cluster / group undertaking human subjects research would need to submit an IRB to their respective organization.

It was decided that a simple statement to this effect should be written and include din the P&P. Amber was charged with this but it didn't get completed due to low priority status.

[aebudden]

Suggested language below:

IRB Requirements for ESIP Research

The National Research Act of 1974, requires Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to review research conducted by organizations receiving Federal funds that involves human subjects. ESIP does not undertake human subjects research and ESIP proposal writing activities are designed to support organizational sustainability (see Policy and Procedure 2.4 -- Fundraising and Proposal Development). Any human subjects research undertaken by community members within an ESIP cluster, committee, or other activity should seek guidance and approval from the Institutional Review Board of the lead's primary institution.