1. Service Units
  2. Research Integrity & Compliance
  3. Human Subjects Protection Program (HSPP)
  4. Reliance
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    Reliance

    IRB reliance, also known as single IRB (sIRB) review, is an agreement that allows one Institutional Review Board to review research at multiple sites or engaging multiple institutions.  The IRB that performs the review is the Reviewing IRB (or IRB of Record) and the IRB that cedes review is the Relying IRB.  These written agreements are signed by the institutions involved and permit the Reviewing IRB to review research for more than one site and provide ongoing oversight for the research.

    The revised Common Rule (i.e., the 2018 Requirements) requires that all institutions in the United States engaged in cooperative research (projects involving more than one institution) conducted or supported by a Federal department or agency rely upon approval by a single IRB for the portion of the research that is conducted in the United States (see 45 CFR 46.114(b)). There are some limited exceptions to the sIRB requirement described in §46.114(b)(2).

    The UConn Health IRB may agree to act as the Reviewing IRB for another institution. In such cases the UConn Health IRB will hold the same rights, authority and responsibility as the IRB for the other institution, should one exist.   The UConn Health IRB may opt to cede review and rely on an external IRB for initial and continuing review and approval of a study.

    Investigators may request reliance for their studies through the online (IRIS) submission system when submitting their application to the IRB or through a modification request for active approved research.  It is strongly recommended that research requiring or contemplating sIRB review contact the HSPP early in the process to determine if an existing reliance agreement is in place or a new agreement will need to be executed.  The decision to serve as Reviewing IRB or cede review can depend on factors such as number of institutions/sites involved, risk of the research, activities engaging UConn Health, etc.

    Note: If your study is currently approved at UConn Health and IRB there are plans to transfer oversight to another IRB, contact the IRB at irb@uchc.edu as soon as possible to discuss next steps to ensure a smooth transition.

    Instructions for Requesting Reliance

    Forms related to Reliance

    Policies on Reliance

    • 2011-009.15.a.pdf– Institutional Review Board – Reliance on UConn Health as IRB of Record
    • 2011-009.15.b.pdf– Institutional Review Board – Reliance on External IRB

    For more information contact irb@uchc.edu