The Kenyon College IRB office maintains files in electronic or hard copy for each study to include: application forms, consent and assent forms, instruments, recruitment flyers or postings, notification of IRB decisions and outcomes, records of any modifications and re-approval reviews, reports on adverse events, correspondence with investigators, and copies of all progress and final reports.
The IRB files are maintained for a minimum of three years after completion and closing of a study. Records related to HIPAA authorization forms or HIPAA waivers are retained for a minimum of six years from the date of its creation or the expiration date, whichever comes later. Investigators should maintain duplicate files for their own records and for use during IRB audits while the study is still in progress and for three years after closure of the study.
The IRB office maintains records of IRB convened meetings: agendas, minutes, protocol status reports, applications reviewed with attachments, and other related material. Copies of inquiries and miscellaneous correspondence are also maintained by the IRB.
The minutes of meetings will include standard information such as attendance record; a summary of protocol discussions and the controverted issues; motions, actions and outcomes determined by the IRB; and the votes in favor of approval, disapproval or abstentions. The IRB office also maintains IRB member records to include curricula vitae of current members and a roster of names, affiliations, representation capacities, experience certifications, and terms of appointment with expiration dates.
Federal rules require that IRBs conduct self-monitoring activities in order to insure that investigators comply with regulations and carry out protocols as approved by the IRB. Verification can take place by observing research in progress, especially the enrollment and consenting of participants, auditing of research records on a random basis, and by establishing procedures for the receipt and proper review of complaints from participants in the research. The Kenyon College IRB adheres to these methods of verification and also conducts periodic reviews to determine if protocols are implemented as approved. Data reviewed at the time of audits may include:
All adverse events that are attributable to study procedures will require an audit of the respective protocol to determine compliance and to evaluate whether changes in procedures or in the consent form are warranted or if the study should be suspended until further inquiry can be conducted.
The IRB may become aware of possible non-compliance by any of several venues. These may include:
Reports of possible non-compliance may be forwarded to the Kenyon College IRB by
Anyone, regardless of affiliation, who suspects non-compliance may submit a complaint or concern. The person submitting the report may be asked to describe the problem or the concern in writing, unless the person chooses to remain anonymous.
Upon receipt of a report, the IRB Chair will evaluate the concern and determine next steps. Minor violations may be disposed of administratively following an initial inquiry by the Chair or an IRB subcommittee. All serious or continuing noncompliance with regulations or the determinations of the IRB will be reported promptly to the IRB members at a full review meeting and to other college officials, the federal Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP), and the federal Department or Agency Directors as applicable.
Examples of non-compliance include:
Allegations or any evidence of serious non-compliance will constitute sufficient cause for the IRB to initiate a protocol audit or investigation upon written notification to the principal investigator. Audits or investigations may be conducted by the IRB Chair or a subcommittee of the full IRB in a manner that will protect human subjects as well as the investigator's rights to due process to include the right of appeal. The seriousness of the allegations and any preliminary evidence will determine whether or not a temporary suspension of the research should be imposed by the IRB pending a full inquiry and a final determination at a convened meeting.
Suspensions and final reports detailing the implementation of corrective actions must be reported to the Provost and other College and Federal Officials depending on the seriousness of the violations after the IRB has determined that noncompliance has occurred. Notification to the provost or officials as appropriate will include the following pertinent information:
Possible outcomes or corrective actions by the IRB may include:
The inquiry process of the IRB will include the following stages: