{"id":87,"date":"2024-09-18T13:32:40","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T13:32:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/?page_id=87"},"modified":"2026-06-24T04:14:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T04:14:15","slug":"expeditedprocedures","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/expeditedprocedures\/","title":{"rendered":"EXPEDITED Procedures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-style-is-not-full-width\" style=\"min-height:50px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-mtsunavy-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT regarding research with minors involving online surveys:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The MTSU IRB is currently reviewing requests to administer online surveys to minors only through the full committee review. &nbsp;Also, please be advised that the IRB is currently reviewing a policy procedure in compliance with Children&#8217;s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA &#8211; 1998). Approvals to allow such interventions are granted only on a case-by-case manner. &nbsp;Importantly, requests to waive parental consent for studies conducted through online means are not entertained until further notice. &nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This page is expected to&nbsp;provide the researchers with an outline of the necessary documents and paperwork to be completed in conjunction with the EXPEDITED&nbsp;procedures for obtaining IRB approval . &nbsp;Note that most of the procedures, requirements, documentation and formatlities between the Expedited and a Full Review process are very similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-compact-list\">\n<li>Allow a minimum of 4 business days BEFORE&nbsp;you call us regarding the status of your&nbsp;petition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Please allow at least 2 weeks for protocols to be reviewed AFTER your application is complete<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During the months of September-October and February-March, expect a minimum processing time of 3 weeks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The expedited review mechanism may take more than usual time for studies that involve special cases such as studies<strong> involving protected minorities, children, prisoners and etc.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Definition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An expedited review procedure consists of a review of research involving human subjects by the IRB chairperson or by one or more experienced reviewers designated by the chairperson from among members of the IRB in accordance with the requirements set forth in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/ohrp\/humansubjects\/guidance\/45cfr46.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">45 CFR 46.110<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The studies that &nbsp;(1) present no more than minimal risk to human subjects, and (2)&nbsp;involve only procedures listed in one or more of the following categories, may be reviewed by the IRB through the expedited review procedure (45&nbsp;CFR&nbsp;46.110 and 21 CFR 56.110). The research activities listed in the protocol application SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED&nbsp;to be of minimal risk simply because they are included on this list. Inclusion on this list merely means that the activity is eligible for review through the expedited review procedure when the specific circumstances of the proposed research involve no more than minimal risk to human subjects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please be aware that the categories in this list apply regardless of the age of subjects, except as noted. &nbsp;The expedited review procedure may not be used for classified research involving human subjects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The expedited review procedure MAY NOT BE&nbsp;used where identification of the <strong>subjects<\/strong> and\/or their responses would reasonably <strong>place them at risk of criminal or civil liability<\/strong> or be <strong>damaging<\/strong> to the subjects&#8217; <strong>financial standing, employability, insurability, reputation,<\/strong> or be <strong>stigmatizing<\/strong>, unless reasonable and appropriate protections will be implemented so that risks related to invasion of privacy and breach of confidentiality are no greater than minimal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Importantly, OHRP requires that the IRB mandate the standard requirements for informed consent (or its waiver, alteration, or exception) apply regardless of the type of review&#8211;expedited or convened&#8211;utilized by the IRB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/ohrpexpeditedpolicy\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"89\">Click here<\/a> to read more about the OHRP&#8217;s regulatory policy and guidelines for expedited review processes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expedited Review Categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A short-form description of the categories under with expedited protocols are reviewed and approved is listed below (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/expeditedcategories\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"90\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a> for full description of the categories).&nbsp; Frequently used categories at MTSU are highlighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list is-style-compact-list\">\n<li>Clinical studies of drugs and medical devices only certain specific condition met.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collection of blood samples by finger stick, heel stick, ear stick, or venipuncture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prospective collection o biological specimens for research purposes by noninvasive means.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collection of data through noninvasive procedures<\/strong>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Many studies conducted at the MTSU HHP Department may come under this category<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research involving materials (data, documents, records, or specimens) that have been collected, or will be collected solely for nonresearch purposes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collection of data from voice, video, digital, or image recordings made for research purposes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Research on individual or group characteristics or behavior<\/strong>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NOTE &#8211; Many of the MTSU research may come under this category<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Continuing review of certain types of studies<\/strong> that were&nbsp;previously approved by the convened IRB<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continuing review of research, not conducted under an investigational new drug application or investigational device&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><sup>***<\/sup>&nbsp;<strong>IMPORTANT<\/strong> &#8211; Children are defined in the HHS regulations as &#8220;persons who have not attained the legal age for consent to treatments or procedures involved in the research, under the applicable law of the jurisdiction in which the research will be conducted.&#8221; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/ohrp\/humansubjects\/guidance\/45cfr46.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">45 CFR 46.402(a)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/ohrp\/policy\/63fr60364.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">63 FR 60364-60367<\/a>, November 9, 1998. &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/expeditedcategories\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"90\">Click here <\/a>to read more about the OHRP&#8217;s research categories and recommendations to IRBs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expedited Request Forms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Essential Forms and Attachments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mtsu.edu\/irb\/forms.php\">https:\/\/mtsu.edu\/irb\/forms<\/a>&nbsp;to download forms and templates<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-compact-list\">\n<li><strong>Latest Expedited Applicaiton Form<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>INFORMED CONSENT for ADULTS<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=URo4x4pv68A&amp;index=12&amp;list=PL5965CB14C2506914\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a> to watch an OHRP video on obtaining informed consent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are several versions of Inforemed Consent templates in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mtsu.edu\/irb\/forms\">https:\/\/mtsu.edu\/irb\/forms<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CONSENT FORMS for enrolling MINORS and CHILDREN<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Multiple types of forms are available depending on age-group of the minors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are also options to complete the documentation of parental cosnent and child assent on the same form for older children.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For children 0-12 years&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research with Minors &#8211; Please note that the parents have to provide active consent for allowing their children to participate in most of the studies unless determined otherwise by the IRB. &nbsp;An &#8220;opt-out&#8221; clause for consent will no longer be accepted by MTSU IRB.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure the investigator fills the APPENDIX B of the expedited application<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/cfr_working_with_minors\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"69\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Working with Minor<\/a>s page for more information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;RECRUITMENT TEMPLATE(s)&nbsp;(flyer, email transcript, etc.)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/129\/2024\/09\/IRB_Flyer.docx\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"79\">Example for research&nbsp;flyers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/recruitment\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"77\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a> to learn about participant recruitment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CITI training certificate if new to MTSU &#8211;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/typesoftraining\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"76\"> click here<\/a> to know more about how to obtain your certification\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students must complete &#8220;students in research&#8221; module in addition to other training courses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All of the investigators must complete &#8220;Research with Children&#8221; and &#8220;Research in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools&#8221; modules<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Survey Instrument(s)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Essential Documents&nbsp;to be submitted with the application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-compact-list\">\n<li>Permission letter(s) if the study is conducted at a non-MTSU facility\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Studies that would take place outside MTSU will require appropriate permission letters from the facility when the outside facility is responsible for the safety and welfare of the prospective participants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For instance, researchers conducting studies with school children would require a letter of support on official stationary from the school&#8217;s administration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Send scanned PDF of the letter by email for IRB review and keep the original for your records<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mutual agreements&nbsp;and approvals\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This is similar to the permission letter described above, but the difference being the research is not only conducted by MTSU representative(s) but also include workers from other Institution. &nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ADVERSE EVENT NOTIFICATION<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other study-specific documents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-lightgray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-lightgray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be advised that the IRB and the Office of Research Compliance may direct you to provide&nbsp;other types of documents not mentioned above to determine compliance. &nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All essential and additional&nbsp;materials should be emailed to <a href=\"mailto:irb_submissions@mtsu.edu\">irb_submissions@mtsu.edu<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 2-3 weeks review timeline will not start until the prereview is successfully completed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Document Submission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Office of Research Compliance now follows an updated process by which documents are received for IRB review. The following two email accounts are designated&nbsp;to correspond with the researchers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-compact-list\">\n<li><a href=\"mailto:irb_submissions@mtsu.edu\">irb_submissions@mtsu.edu<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; send all IRB applications and documents to this account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"mailto:irb_information@mtsu.edu\">irb_information@mtsu.edu<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; send your questions and inquiries to this account<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Please <a href=\"https:\/\/w1.mtsu.edu\/irb\/FAQ\/SubmissionProcess.php\">click here<\/a> for an overview the most recent&nbsp;document submission process<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Review Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Administrative Actions (PREREVIEW):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The application and the supporting documents will be administratively prereviewed for completeness. &nbsp;Incomplete applications will be sent back to the researcher(s) without any administrative action. &nbsp;Complete applications will be assigned a new IRB ID which will resemble ##-2###. &nbsp;The researchers will be corresponded by email if further information is needed. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IRB Member Review:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Subsequent to the administrative actions, the application materials will be forwarded to a suitable IRB member or its representative. &nbsp;Although every effort will be made by the Office of Research Compliance to designate reviewers who have the necessary working knowledge on the subject matter of the application. &nbsp;The researchers should however prepare the application in simple language such that a reviewer with a different field of expertise would also understand. &nbsp;The reviewer will directly correspond with the researchers and may request more information needed to make a determination. &nbsp; After the review process, the reviewer may either determine that the proposed study can be approved under one of the research <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/expeditedcategories\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"90\">categories<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;mandated by the OHRP. &nbsp;Or, the reviewer may refer the study for a full committee review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Secondary Review (if necessary):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the event that the primary reviewer determines&nbsp;the protocol may not comply within the requirements of the expedited mechanism, then&nbsp;the application will be administratively sent for a secondary review. &nbsp;The Office of Research Compliance will send appropriate notification to the researcher on the status of the application should the second reviewer also determines that the study needs to be reviewed by the full committee. &nbsp;However, if the second reviewer recommends approval under the expedited mechanism , then the IRB Chair will be requested to review the study to make a final decision. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protocol Approval<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The researchers will receive an Expedited&nbsp;Approval Notice from the Reviewer or the Office of Research Compliance. &nbsp;It is important that the researchers store the document in a safe location along with their study-related documents. &nbsp;The approval notice should be sent to appropriate funding agency by the researcher. &nbsp;Each protocol approved under the expedited mechanism can be kept active for up to THREE&nbsp;(3) years. &nbsp;However, the PI or the faculty advisor (if the PI is a student) has to submit a Continuing Review 3-4&nbsp;weeks prior to the annual expiration date noted in the approval notice. &nbsp;Expired protocols cannot be renewed or continued. &nbsp;Therefore it is vital that the researchers obtain approval for continuation prior to the expiration date. &nbsp;A protocol can be continued twice and after the third year a new application needs to be submitted. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Post-Approval Procedures &amp; Oblilgations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The applicant of the protocol or the faculty advisor (if the applicant is a student) must assume full responsibility that the study will be conducted in the guidelines listed by the research team in the protocol. &nbsp;Any alteration to the protocol can be done only after obtaining written approval from the IRB or the Office of Research Compliance. &nbsp;Starting from August, 2015, major changes to the procedures and the instruments will not be allowed and the researchers will be directed to complete a new application. &nbsp;The following are a few procedures and obligations for the researchers in order to keep the protocol active. &nbsp;Depending on the type of protocol, additional restrictions and obligations may be imposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Data Storage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The PI or the faculty advisor (if the PI is a student) has to take responsibility of the data collected during the study. &nbsp;All confidential materials need to be secured as proposed in their application. &nbsp;The researchers have to notify the Office of Research Compliance if there are any breaches or any change of storage location is anticipated. &nbsp;A suitable course of action would be determined upon the researchers&#8217; notification. &nbsp;It is mandatory that the researchers store the data in a secure place for up to three (3) years after the study has ended. &nbsp;After this storage time, the investigators MAY destroy the data such that the confidentiality will not be lost. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the research data, the investigator who is charged with the institutional responsibility is also required to maintain records on the&nbsp;co-investigator(s) of the study, such as role of the investigators, training information &amp; expiration, list of co-investigators and other activities. &nbsp;It is also important &nbsp;to record &nbsp;the dates of addition\/removal of the co-investigators to ensure the protocol is always conducted by researchers whose training is up-to-date..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amendments to Existing Protocols<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Minor protocol amendments, like fixing errors in language, adding\/removing student workers, increase\/decrease of sample size, and other non-procedural changes can be done by submitting a &#8220;Minor Revisions Form&#8221; along with other documents to be changed (like informed consent, recruitment scripts, etc).&nbsp; &nbsp;Please contact the office of Research Compliance (<a href=\"mailto:irb_information@mtsu.edu\">irb_information@mtsu.edu<\/a>) for additional information on creating addendum requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples of Minor Amendments:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong>Addition\/removal of investigators, small extensions of participant number and correcting typographical errors to the previously approved documents. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples of Major or Significant Amendments:&nbsp;<\/strong>Addition of a new location for conducting the research activity, minor changes to the instruments, amendments to the informed consent, procedural changes and etc.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Closing an Expedited Protocol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An existing protocol can be closed at any time by filing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/129\/2024\/09\/IRB-Final-Report.docx\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"94\">final report<\/a>. \u00a0The investigators however should remember that the data collected when the protocol was active\u00a0needs to be stored in a secure location for up to three (3) years after the final report has been approved and acknowledged. \u00a0The data and the location may be subject to OHRP audit any time during this period. \u00a0\u00a0Changes in location of the storage\u00a0of sensitive data\u00a0also needs to be notified to the IRB. \u00a0This is true even after the protocol has been closed or has expired. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&gt;&gt; Adverse Event Notification &lt;&lt;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All adverse events, such as study-related injuries to the participants and other types of harms that may have happened to the human subjects need to be reported to the Offfice of Research Compliance within 48 hours by emailing <a href=\"mailto:compliance@mtsu.edu\">compliance@mtsu.edu<\/a>. &nbsp;Other adverse events could include compliance breaches or inadvertent\/intentional deviations in the protocol should also be reported. Any event that could potentially place the participant at risk will be deemed as &#8220;adverse&#8221; and MUST be reported.&nbsp;Subsequent to notifying <a href=\"mailto:compliance@mtsu.edu\">compliance@mtsu.edu<\/a>&nbsp;by email,, the researcher MUST&nbsp;submit an Adverse Event Form by providing specifics on the event and what course of action was taken to mitigate the risk(s). &nbsp;The &#8220;Adverse Event Form&#8221; needs to be completed and submitted within seven (7) days of the event to <a href=\"mailto:irb_submissions@mtsu.edu\">irb_submissions@mtsu.edu<\/a>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Investigator Change Notification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All addition and removal of investigators should be reported to the Office of Research Compliance prior to commencing research. &nbsp;The PI or the faculty advisor (if the PI is a student) should submit an Addendum Request to initiate the addition\/removal of investigators. &nbsp; Additionally, the new investigator who will be added to the protocol should have completed proper CITI training at the time of the request. &nbsp;Data collected by an individual who is not included in the protocol would not be permissible&nbsp;and may lead to the cancellation of the protocol. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Progress Report and Continuation Review Request<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, most IRB approvals for expedited and full member review mechanisms are given for up to one year. &nbsp;At the end of the first year, the investigators can either opt to close the study or to continue the protocol for an additional year. &nbsp;If they choose to close the study, then they will follow the process described above on how to submit a final report. &nbsp;If they wish to continue the study, then they have to submit a request for Continuing Review. &nbsp;The application for a continuing review should be received by the Office of Research Compliance at least three (3) weeks before the date of initial expiration in order to process the extension in a timely fashion. &nbsp;A continuing review request may be submitted twice for the life of a protocol. &nbsp;After three years, the protocol will automatically expire and a new application needs to be filed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A PROTOCOL CANNOT&nbsp;BE EXTENDED ONCE IT EXPIRES. &nbsp;<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Actions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Denial of Approval:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A protocol may be denied approval due to either noncompliance or the proposed study may not qualify to be reviewed under the expedited mechanism. &nbsp;In both cases, the IRB in cooperation with the Office of Research Compliance&nbsp;will make every effort to help the researchers to address the compliance concerns. &nbsp;In rare instances, where the proposed study could not be achieved under the set forth&nbsp;criteria, the researcher will be asked to resubmit a fresh application to be reviewed under he full committee review mechanism<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Refer to Full Committee:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As explained above, a study may not qualify for IRB&#8217;s expedited review mechanism &nbsp;will have to be reviewed by entire committee. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Deferral:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In very rare cases a protocol may be deferred by the MTSU IRB. &nbsp;There may be many specific reasons why such a decision has been arrived. &nbsp;Nonetheless, a protocol that has been deferred cannot be resubmitted or be approved for human participation. &nbsp;Be advised that the protocols deferred by the IRB <strong>cannot be overturned by any other agencies or individuals<\/strong> within MTSU. &nbsp;By law, the OHRP requires&nbsp;the IRB to act independent and the MTSU offers its fullest support to the Committee. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Appeal Process:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As stated above, all IRB decisions are final and cannot altered. \u00a0 A researcher may nonetheless\u00a0appeal a decision by making a written request with proper justification to the Chair of IRB (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/membership\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"39\">Click here<\/a>\u00a0for a list of current IRB members). \u00a0The decision of the IRB Chair may convene a special meeting or bring the protocol up for a vote in an upcoming IRB meeting. \u00a0Once the IRB votes to defer the protocol, then the decision cannot be appealed under any circumstances. \u00a0The researchers must be aware that involving MTSU Administration or ranking officials to influence an IRB approval process is a violation of University&#8217;s Federal-Wide Assurance and PHS policies governing human subject research. \u00a0In contrast however, an authorized\u00a0Institutional Official reserves the right to cancel a protocol that has been previously approved by the IRB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The following process is currently under review<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amendments to an Existing Exempt Protocol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Starting from August 2015 (Protocols starting with 16 or later), amendments&nbsp;to exempt protocols will be restricted to only minor changes. &nbsp;The changes include minor typographical changes to the protocol\/instrument\/informed consent. &nbsp;Other allowed changes would be addition or removal of investigators. &nbsp;The Office of Research Compliance will no longer be able to complete major changes in the instruments or the protocol that have originally been approved as exempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Completed amendment request forms should be sent to <a href=\"mailto:irb_submissions@mtsu.edu\">irb_submissions@mtsu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summary This page is expected to&nbsp;provide the researchers with an outline of the necessary documents and paperwork to be completed in conjunction with the EXPEDITED&nbsp;procedures for obtaining IRB approval . &nbsp;Note that most of the procedures, requirements, documentation and formatlities between the Expedited and a Full Review process are very similar. Definition An expedited review [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-bannernosidebar.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-87","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/87","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/87\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2285,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/87\/revisions\/2285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/irb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}