Institutional Review Board

Federal regulations require that all institutions receiving federal money for human subjects research have an Institutional Review Board (IRB), made up of qualified individuals, to review human subjects protocols. The IRB has the authority to approve protocols, require modifications to secure approval, or to disapprove protocols. Human subjects protocols may not be initiated without IRB approval.

Mountain State University is committed to protecting the rights of and ensuring the safety of human subjects participating in research conducted by faculty, staff, and students of the University and for research in which Mountain State University is engaged. Mountain State University's IRBs work to ensure the safety and protection of human research participants by considering issues such as recruitment of participants, informed consent, privacy of participants, voluntary participation, confidentiality and security of collected data, and a consideration of the risks and benefits associated with the research. This commitment is vested in the Institutional Review Board for Research Involving Human Subjects (the IRB), and is guided by the ethical principles described in the "Belmont Report" and in applicable federal regulations (45 CFR 46).

Mountain State University has two IRBs, a Health Sciences IRB and a Social Sciences IRB. Both IRB's are located in MSU's Distance Education Office. The Health Sciences IRB is responsible for working with faculty, staff and students who are conducting human research associated with MSU's Allied Health Programs. The Social Sciences IRB is responsible for working with faculty, staff, and students who are conducting human research in association with MSU's social and behavioral science degree programs.

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about research being conducted at or by Mountain State University, please contact the IRB coordinator at (304) 461-3494.