IRB Committee Members

In-House Orientation

All prospective IRB Committee members are required to complete an initial two hour orientation session prior to serving on the IRB.  The orientation session is conducted by the IRB Chair or one of the Vice Chairs with support from HRP staff. All new members complete the CITI IRB member module in addition to those modules noted above  and are provided the following information:

  • IRB Policy and Procedure Manual;
  • DHHS regulations (45 CFR 46), FDA regulations (21 CFR 50 and 56);
  • Belmont Report;
  • Declaration of Helsinki;
  • Nuremberg Code;
  • University of Pittsburgh Conflict of Interest Policy;
  • HIPAA Q&A;
  • Relevant IRB Forms.

Observation of IRB Meeting

All new IRB Committee members are required to observe at least one IRB committee meeting prior to functioning as a voting member.

PittPRO Training

All new IRB Committee members will be trained  in the use of the electronic submission system (PittPRO).  This training includes how to review electronic applications, post reviewer notes, and access checklists and other supporting documentation.

Continuing Education

IRB members will receive, on an ongoing basis, continuing education related to human subject protection issues and requirements.

  • Every month, the IRB Chair and Associate Director will identify a topic to be reviewed at each scheduled committee meeting.  In order to ensure consistency with the information provided to the Committee members, the Associate Director or designee will make a presentation at the beginning of each meeting. The content will be recorded in the minutes for the meeting as well as the members present at the meeting
  • In addition, IRB members are invited to educational presentations held throughout the year on topics related to the protection of human subjects.
  • The IRB Chair, IRB Vice Chairs,  and HRP staff are routinely available to address any questions or concerns of the IRB members.
  • IRB members are provided access to reference materials and research protocol files maintained within HRP as such access may relate to their functions as an IRB member.
  • Committee members are required to complete the refresher course (IRB Member) available through CITI if their term exceeds four years.

5/26/2021