About the IRB
An IRB is a committee that performs ethical reviews of human subjects’ research proposals to ensure proper precautions are taken to protect the rights and safety of participants. The IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications (to secure approval), or disapprove research projects. The board is also responsible for regular monitoring of previously approved research projects to evaluate the actual risk to participants.
The primary purpose of the AHS IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research activities being conducted under its authority. There are several research populations described in the federal regulations as "vulnerable". These regulations require additional safeguards be in place "when all or some of the subjects are likely to be vulnerable to coercion or undue influence". Vulnerable populations include but are not limited to: children, prisoners, pregnant women, cognitively impaired persons, and economically or educationally disadvantaged individuals. The primary purpose of the AHS IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research activities being conducted under its authority. There are several research populations described in the federal regulations as "vulnerable". These regulations require additional safeguards be in place "when all or some of the subjects are likely to be vulnerable to coercion or undue influence". Vulnerable populations include but are not limited to: children, prisoners, pregnant women, cognitively impaired persons, and economically or educationally disadvantaged individuals.
IRB Members
The AHS IRB is chaired by the AHS Secretary's Office (Shawn Skaflestad), and comprised of research SMEs from each of the AHS member departments. AHS IRB meetings are held monthly and meet on the first Tuesday (subject to change).
Procedures for IRB Operations
Application Process and Deadlines
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The IRB chair will determine the date, time, and place of a regularly scheduled standing meeting. The meeting is currently set for the first Tuesday of every month.
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All proposals will be accepted for review if received no later than 1 week prior to the scheduled meeting.
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All research proposals shall be submitted by email to the AHS IRB Mailbox here: AHS.IRB@vermont.gov
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After a determination IRB member will contact the submitter within 1 week after the date of the IRB meeting.