Accreditation process for human-subjects research begins this spring

Brief

The Institutional Review Office (IRO) is initiating the application process for accreditation of its Human Research Protection Program through the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP). Although application for AAHRPP accreditation is voluntary, it is a tangible demonstration to the public that an organization goes beyond minimal legal requirements in protecting individuals who participate in research studies.

The accreditation process, expected to be complete in about a year, will include a self-review of five areas critical to the conduct of research involving human subjects followed by a site visit from AAHRPP representatives next spring. Because the conduct of clinical trials involves a wide range of departments and disciplines at the center, Karen Hansen, IRO director, will work closely with several committees comprised of faculty and staff from all scientific divisions and relevant administrative groups.

Hansen said that the application process itself offers an opportunity for the center to evaluate its already outstanding programs.

"The self-assessment will help us to identify any areas that we'd like to strengthen even further," she said. Because the AAHRPP is made up of representatives from other institutions, she added, "It's an opportunity for us to be assessed by our peers on an ongoing basis."

Raising the bar

Incorporated in April 2001, AAHRPP is a nonprofit organization that seeks not only to ensure compliance, but also to raise the bar in human-research protection by helping institutions reach performance standards that surpass the threshold of state and federal requirements.

The accreditation plan has been presented to the board's Trustee's Patient Protection Oversight Committee. Faculty and staff involved in the process began meeting last month; a final application will be submitted to AAHRPP before the end of the year.

To learn more about AAHRPP, visit their Web site at www.aahrpp.org.

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