Frequently Asked Questions

What is the criteria for being a primary investigator?

Please visit our page that explains the criteria.
 

What is the time involved for a new study to be approved?

For an expedited or exempt study you typically hear something from the office within 1-2 weeks.  For studies requiring full committee review, you should hear something within one month. (Our average approval time for a full committee study is 36 days. The average approval times for other institutions of our size is 60-79 days.)
 

I am from Main Campus.  Where do I submit my project (main campus IRB or the HSC HRRC)?

The HSC HRRC will review main campus research that involves a biomedical component.  If you are unsure you should contact the main campus IRB and ask them whether they will review it or want you to submit to the HSC HRRC.  Note that the Main Campus IRB and HSC HRRC have different forms.

Can I come to the office for assistance or who can I call for a specific request?

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 and either emailing or calling the person you need.

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.

See the NIH Policy.

Does my study qualify for Expedited Review?

If the research involves minimal risk (as determined by the HRRC) 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.
 

How do I know if I am using or collecting Protected Health Information (PHI) for research?

Protected Health Information (a.k.a 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.  For more information regarding this, please contact the UNMHSC HIPAA Privacy Officer, Sophia Collaros, at 272-1493 or the HRRC Office at 272-1129 or the UNM Privacy Officer at 272-2121.

When do the Committees meet?

The HRRC consists of four committees.  Each meet once a month on the first, second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month.

The Main Campus IRB is one committee and meets once a month.

My sponsor requires a list of all committee members.  Where do I find a list?

You can find the HSC HRRC list here.  If you need a list of the Main Campus list, you will need to contact the main campus office at 277-0067.

What are the FWA numbers for the Committees?

Each campus has its own FWA number.  You can find the HSC HRRC number here.  And the Main Campus number here. 

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