The type of review an application receives depends on the risks posed to potential subjects by participating in the research. RISK is defined by Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP) as “the probability of harm or injury (physical, psychological, social, or economic) occurring as a result of participation in a research study. Both the probability and magnitude of possible harm may vary from minimal to significant.”

There are three types of IRB reviews: exempt, expedited, and full review. Only the Chair and the Expeditor may determine the level of review assigned to individual projects. Exempt review does not imply that the research does not need to be submitted to the IRB. It is exempt from review by the full IRB Committee.

Level I (exempt review)-Does not require review by the full IRB Committee.

Level II (expedited review) – Minimal risk to human subjects.

Level III (full review by the IRB Committee) - Proposed research involving human subjects that does not qualify for Exempt or Expedited review, must be reviewed by the IRB at a convened meeting (Full Committee review level).

For additional information link to the specific level. Reference to the OHRP regulations are included.

Review Period

Level I Proposals: The review period takes approximately one week.

Level II Proposals: The review period can take up to two weeks.

Level III Proposals: The review period can take up to four weeks. This is a full board review.