Which statement about the relationship between an institution and its IRB is correct?

Which statement about the relationship between an institution and its IRB is correct?

• A. Officials of the institution may overrule an IRB approval.
• B. The IRB has no authority over the institution.
• C. The IRB can approve a study without institutional support.
• D. The IRB is subordinate and must follow the institution's unreviewed decisions.

Answer: (A)

The relationship hinges on responsibility and oversight. The institution that houses the IRB has final accountability for protecting human subjects and for making sure research complies with laws and regulations. Because of that, institutional officials can step in and override an IRB approval if continuing the study would pose risks to participants or violate policy or regulatory requirements. In other words, the IRB reviews and approves to protect subjects, but the institution’s leadership ultimately holds the authority to intervene in its decisions when necessary. The other statements misstate how these roles interact: the IRB does have a protective authority and cannot operate independently of institutional support, and it isn’t simply bound to follow unreviewed institutional decisions.

The relationship hinges on responsibility and oversight. The institution that houses the IRB has final accountability for protecting human subjects and for making sure research complies with laws and regulations. Because of that, institutional officials can step in and override an IRB approval if continuing the study would pose risks to participants or violate policy or regulatory requirements. In other words, the IRB reviews and approves to protect subjects, but the institution’s leadership ultimately holds the authority to intervene in its decisions when necessary. The other statements misstate how these roles interact: the IRB does have a protective authority and cannot operate independently of institutional support, and it isn’t simply bound to follow unreviewed institutional decisions.