When reviewing federally supported research involving prisoners an IRB must have?
Updated July 1, 2021 Show
IntroductionThe University IRB adheres to the regulatory requirements for research which involves a prisoner as outlined in 45 CFR 46 Subpart C. Federal regulations consider prisoners to be a vulnerable population. For research conducted or supported by DHHS or other federal agencies, under Subpart C (45CFR46.301-306) the regulations require additional safeguards for their protection in human research. (See IRB Policy Manual definitions for definition of "prisoner.") The University opts to apply Subpart C to all research involving prisoners regardless of funding. Research involving prisoners requires researcher form Population: Prisoners. Subpart C: Requirements for IRB Review and ApprovalDefining "Prisoner"The regulatory definition of prisoner (i.e., any individual involuntarily confined or detained in a penal institution) is intended to encompass:
Individuals are considered prisoners if they are in a penal institution, such as a prison or jail, or other institution when their ability to leave the institution is restricted. Prisoners may be convicted felons or may be untried persons who are detained pending judicial action such as arraignment or trial. A child or youth detained in a juvenile detention facility is considered a prisoner. The University IRB applies the regulatory definition of prisoner as follows:
Composition of the IRB for Review of Prisoner Research (§46.304)When a fully convened IRB reviews a research project involving prisoners as participants, the IRB will satisfy the requirements for composition of the IRB as described in the Common Rule and these two additional requirements:
The University IRB uses a prisoner representative for review of all research involving prisoners. This includes initial review, continuing review, full-board modifications, and reportable unexpected or unanticipated problems. The prisoner representative is listed as an alternative IRB member who:
Consistent with any changes to the IRB rosters, the IRB will notify the DHHS OHRP of any change in the IRB roster involving the addition, removal, or substitution of the prisoner representative by providing the name and qualifications of the prisoner representative. The IRB will maintain the CV of the prisoner representative. Requirements for IRB Approval of Prisoner Research (§46.305)The following requirements apply to new projects, and continuing review and amendments for approved projects whether reviewed at a convened IRB meeting or by expedited procedures. The University does not exempt any federally funded prisoner research from IRB review. Note: policy, entitled 201. Exempt Research and Vulnerable Populations offers application of Flex policy for research that is non-federally funded, minimal risk conducting prisoner research involving records, samples, or other materials. In addition to the criteria for IRB approval under the Common Rule, The IRB will approve the research only if it finds and documents that:
Appropriate Consent ProcessThe information will be presented in language that is understandable to prisoners. Each prisoner will be informed in advance that participation in the research will have no effect on his or her parole. Prisoners who are competent have the fundamental right to decide whether to participate in research. In case of a request to waive or alter the consent document, the IRB reviews the research and makes the appropriate findings regarding the waiver or alteration of informed consent requirements. Research involving prisoners may be approved with a waiver or alteration of informed consent. However, even if informed consent is waived or altered, subpart C of 45 CFR part 46 still requires that the subjects be clearly informed in advance that participation in the research will have no effect on their parole if such notification is relevant. Additional Requirements for Prisoner Research Funded by DHHS (§46.306)If a study utilizing prisoners as research participants is federally funded, the Director of Regulatory Affairs or designee will send a letter to the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) indicating it has approved a study that will include prisoners, the category the study fits into as well as how the study satisfies the six criteria noted under the regulations. A research study is not permitted to commence for DHHS supported research until written approval is received from OHRP on behalf of the DHHS Secretary under the provisions of 45 CFR 46.306(a)(2).
If a participant becomes a prisoner after enrollment in a research study the investigator should notify the IRB immediately. Either the prisoner-subject must be withdrawn from study participation; or the IRB must, at the earliest opportunity, re-review the research protocol and consent form in accordance with the listed requirements. The IRB can either (a) approve the involvement of the prisoner-subject in the research or (b) determine that this subject must be withdrawn from the research. Note that if the subject-prisoner is withdrawn from study participation, s/he must be fully informed of the reason for such action. Can you research on prisoners?Research involving prisoners must be reviewed by an IRB that fulfills the following membership requirements [45 CFR 46.304]: At least one member of the IRB must be a prisoner, or a prisoner representative with appropriate background and experience to serve in that capacity.
Which example of research with prisoners would be allowable under the regulations?Which example of research with prisoners would be allowable under the regulations? Examining age at first arrest as a predictor of adult criminal history. Examining age at first arrest is the correct answer.
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