Human Research Protection Program
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct in research. The protection of human subjects participating in research is a shared responsibility of researchers and the institution. The Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is responsible for ensuring that all research involving human subjects conducted at an SMHCS facility is conducted ethically and in compliance with federal regulations and policies that promote ethical research in human subjects. The HRPP also provides guidance and educational support for Principal Investigators and their research staff. The HRPP collaborates closely with many areas of the organization to protect the rights, welfare, and wellbeing of volunteers who participate in research.
The HRPP office is comprised of two main components:
- Institutional Review Board (IRB)
- Research Resource and Feasibility Committee (RRFC)
In addition, the HRPP office reviews all research conducted at SMHCS to ensure compliance in the following areas:
- Protection of Human Subjects
- Conflicts of Interest
- Research Credentialing and Training
- Research Billing
- Regulatory Compliance
- Legal & Contracts
- Effective use of organizational resources
Institutional Review Board
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for reviewing all research conducted at SMHCS and works to protect the rights and welfare of people who volunteer to take part in human subject research. Clinical trial procedures are reviewed by institutional review boards (IRBs). These boards are composed of at least five members that are appointed by the president and CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. IRB members include physicians, pharmacists, nurses, legal counsel, community members, and hospital employees with diverse backgrounds. They review and approve clinical trials taking place within their jurisdiction before the trials can begin. The HRPP collaborates closely with the Institutional Review Board Chair in the review, approval, and monitoring of research regulatory compliance. The IRB is guided by the ethical principles set forth in the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research report, also known as the Belmont Report.
If you have any questions about participating in research or your rights as a research participant, please contact our IRB Office at 941-917-6268. You may also contact the IRB in writing at:
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Institutional Review Board
1700 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34239