New Human Research Protection Program approach

From the UGA Director of Human Subjects:

The University of Georgia Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) has developed a new approach to streamline the review of human subjects research that qualifies for specific exempt determinations. Research that involves only normal educational practices in standard educational settings or that solely involves surveys or interviews (including focus groups) of adults on topics that are not considered sensitive will be reviewed only to confirm the level (exempt) and category (1, 2i, or 2ii). The HRPP staff will document the determination in the portal, and the correspondence to the study principal investigator (PI) will identify known policies that might apply based on the HRPP staff’s pre-review. The correspondence will include instructions for updating the portal record. Before beginning the project, it is the PI’s responsibility to ensure that all activities and materials comply with the HRPP and institutional policies. The HRPP anticipates the new approach will improve efficiency without diminishing the vital protection of human subjects.

This new approach has been implemented, and we will continue to pilot this summer as we finalize the review documentation and processes. Questions about this process should be directed to Kim Fowler. Additional announcements will be made at the beginning of the fall semester.