The Final NIH Policy on the Use of a Single Institutional Review Board (sIRB) for Multi-Site Research was published in the Federal Register on June 21, 2016. The post includes a link to guidanceon the Use of Direct and Indirect Costs for Single IRB Review under the NIH Policy and FAQson the policy and indicates that additional information will be posted to the NIH Office of Science Policy websiteas it becomes available.
The policy applies to domestic NIH-funded multi-site studies carried out at more than one site “where each site will conduct the same protocol (emphasis added) involving non-exempt human subjects research, whether supported through grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or the NIH Intramural Research Program. It does not apply to career development, research training or fellowship awards.” The policy will take effect May 25, 2017. Ongoing, non-competing awards will not be expected to comply until the grantee submits a competing renewal application.
