Information for Researchers

The information and links on this page are meant to assist researchers in preparing their application for review of research involving human subjects.            

Application Procedures
Click here to review the DHSIRB rules regarding the application procedures.

Review and approval process
Click here to review the DHSIRB rules regarding the review and approval process.

Appeal process
Click here to review the DHSIRB rules regarding appealing the DHSIRB decision.

Communication from the DHSIRB

• After application is submitted: Within 24 hours of receipt the application will be logged and assigned a unique DHSIRB tracking number.  An email confirmation will be sent to the principal investigator along with the tracking number.  The number must be included in all future correspondence to the DHSIRB concerning the project.

• Exempt submissions:  The investigator will receive a letter within 14 business days of the DHSIRB action that includes the DHSIRB number, name of the research, reasons the research is exempt from DHSIRB review, and signature of the Chair or Vice Chair. (OAC 340:2-39-12)

• Non-Exempt, but Expedited Review:  The investigator will receive a letter within 14 business days of action with the DHSIRB number, name of the research, date of approval or conditional approval, and duration of the approval.

• Non Exempt and Non Expedited Review submissions: After review at the DHSIRB meeting, a letter will be sent within 14 business days of the meeting notifying the principal investigator of the review's outcome.  The possible outcomes are:

  • Approved: the approval letter will contain the DHSIRB number, name of the research, date of the approval (the DHSIRB meeting date), all documents reviewed and approved by the DHSIRB, duration of the approval, circumstances for which the DHSIRB must be contacted, and signature of the DHSIRB chair or vice chair.
  • Conditionally approved: the investigator will receive a letter describing the concerns of the committee.  The investigator will  have 90 calendar days to provide documentation and materials responsive to the communicated concerns.  If no response is received within 90 days, a new application must be submitted.  If the investigator's response is approved, a final approval letter will be sent to the investigator.
  • Deferred: The investigator will receive a letter describing the determination
  • Not approved: The investigator will receive a letter describing the decisions.  The investigator will be notified of the opportunity to respond.