In March we underwent a comprehensive, rigorous multiday site visit from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) and on May 1st, received the official site visit report. We worked with AAHRPP to make our policies and procedures consistent with their standards and submitted our response on May 31st. As you may know, we recently learned that our institution’s human subjects research protection program has been fully accredited by the AAHRPP.

The response to the site visit required changes throughout our process of research oversight and administration. For example, AAHRPP indicated that our review system is geared to DHHS regulations and gives short shrift to research that falls under FDA regulations. Many of the changes in forms and procedures were made to bolster this aspect of our process.

Over the summer, we will hold meetings to explain the new forms and processes. We think that the changes are logical. We will do our best to explain the rationale for the changes and to make the instructions as clear as possible. As in the past, we will depend on feedback from faculty and staff to guide us.

AAHRPP accreditation means that we have passed a very high standard, and is well worth the time and effort that it entailed. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance with this project. You can learn more about AAHRPP at their web site: http://www.aahrpp.org/www.aspx

Paul Lietman Steps Down as IRB 3 Chair

Dr. Paul Lietman stepped down as chair of IRB 3 effective June 30, 2005, the end of his term. Paul has contributed to our IRBs for many years, first as a member of JCCI and, since summer 2001, as chair of IRB 3. He has brought to this work an impressive commitment to research oversight, advocacy for research, and expertise in drug development. We are deeply grateful to Paul for his many contributions and hope faculty will join us in thanking Paul for all that he has done.

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