The University of New Mexico

Quick Links

    Physical Address:
    BMSB B71
    Camino de Salud
    Albuquerque, NM 87106
    Mailing Address:
    MSC:08-4560
    1 University of New Mexico
    Albuquerque, N.M. 87131-0001
    Office Hours:
    Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm
    Email: HRPO@Salud.unm.edu
    Phone: (505) 272.1129
    Fax: (505) 272.0803

 Frequently Asked Questions


  • HRPO Information
  • Investigators and Training
  • IRB Tools
  • Submissions
  • Study Documents

Where can I find
    News and Updates on Forms, Policies, and Procedures: Homepage
    Training Events, Important HRPO Dates, Committee Meeting Dates: Calendar
    HRP Staff: Contact

What is the time involved for a new study to be approved?
      Check the graphic on the HRPO Homepage for average turn-around times. The average turn-around times for other institutions of our size is 60-79 days.


What Kind of Training is required and how can I see if my (or another investigator's) Training is complete?
     All Research Investigators are required to take Human Subjects Protections Training. Acceptable forms of training and the list of completed training can be found on the Training and Outreach page.

Can anyone be a Principal Investigator?
      Please see the Principal Investigator Policy. The HRPO maintains a list of Curriculum Vitae documents that have been sent to the HRPO. Please contact the front desk for more information.

Does the HRPO provide training events so that I can learn more about the IRB processes?
      The HRPO hosts training events like IRB 101 and Research University each year (check out the Training and Outreach page) . For upcoming dates, please check the HRPO Calendar.


Where can I find other information regarding Human Subjects Research?
      The Resources page and Policies and Guidelines page both contain relevant links to information about Human Subjects Research.

I am working on my application and I think I need a protocol and consent form. Where can I find samples of each document?
      You can find guidance and templates for Protocol, Consent, Assent, and HIPAA documents on the Templates page.

How do I know if I am using or collecting Protected Health Information (PHI) for research?
      Protected Health Information (PHI) includes any identifiable health information collected during the course of a research study.  PHI can include data such as a person's height and weight. Guidance on PHI can be found on the Templates page  For more information regarding this, please contact the UNMHSC HIPAA Privacy Officer, Sophia Collaros, at 272-1493 or the HRPO at 272-1129 or the UNM Privacy Officer at 272-2121

Who conducts the review of a Human Research Submission and where can I find the Member Roster and FWA numbers?
      UNM has 4 Human Research Review Committees (meet 4 times a month) and 1 Institutional Review Board (meets one time a month). For Member Rosters, FWA numbers, more information, please see the Committees page.


I am from the UNM Campus.  What is my review oversight (UNM IRB or the UNMHSC HRRC)?
      The UNMHSC HRRC will review UNM research that involves a biomedical component.   If you are unsure, you should contact a senior analyst.

I am reviewing case studies, does my project require IRB review?
      Review of Case studies may or may not require IRB review. Please check out the FAQ program to see if your project requires IRB review.

Does my study qualify for Expedited Review?
      If the research involves minimal risk (as determined by the HRRC or IRB) and all aspects of the research fall in any of the nine categories in section 5.2.1 of the HRRC Manual, then it qualifies to be reviewed through the expedited process.  This link will take you to the HRRC manual.  When it opens, go to section 5.2.1.

Do I need IRB approval prior to submitting my application to NIH?
      NIH generally permits Just In Time (JIT) review. This means that NIH does not require IRB approval until a preliminary NIH review (peer review) has been done and the grant receives a priority score indicating it is likely to be funded. At that time, it should be submitted to the IRB for review.

Note that there are times where IRB approval may be necessary before submission of an application to NIH. For example, a particularly tight time-lien for an RFA; or for certain instances when end-of-fiscal-year funding requirements might demand earlier IRB review and approval.

Where can I find information and guidance on the submission process?
     You can find information on the submission process as well as guidance documents on the Submissions page.

Who can I contact for Questions about a Submission?
     Our staff is happy to work with you and assist with any questions you might have.  We encourage you to make an appointment with one of our analysts or call us for any specific requests.  You can do so by going to our Contact page to email or call the person you need.

     New Study: Senior Analyst or Human Protections Specialist (HPS)
     Continuation/ Reactivation/ Closure/ Amendment: Analyst
     Event: Human Protections Specialist (HPS)


Consent Forms

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Research

These FAQs provide guidance that represents OHRP's current thinking on these topics and should be viewed as recommendations, unless specific regulatory requirements are cited. The use of the word "must" in OHRP guidance means that something is required under HHS regulations at 45 CFR part 46. The use of the word "should" in OHRP guidance means that something is recommended or suggested, but not required. An institution may use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the HHS regulations at 45 CFR part 46. OHRP is available to discuss alternative approaches at 240-453-6900 or 866-447-4777.

Check out the    Program

Access the UNM HRPO FAQ program by clicking on the icon above. This program answers questions like: Does my study require review; What kind of review will my study need, etc. Please note that this program is subject to change. For the most updated information, please explore the HRPO website and contact our office!