Information for IRB Members Being Interviewed by AAHRPP

Thank you for your participation in Utah State University's upcoming AAHRPP Site Visit! The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) is an international, independent, nonprofit organization that reviews and accredits an institution's human research protection program (HRPP). The HRPP is made up of three primary areas: the institution itself, its IRB, and its researchers. Long regarded as the gold standard, AAHRPP accreditation demonstrates commitment to quality research programs. 

The Human Research Protections Office has provided AAHRPP with a written description of USU's policies, procedures, and resources. AAHRPP Site Visitors will conduct virtual interviews on October 1st and 2nd, 2026, to ensure those policies and procedures are being followed. We expect questions to be focused on regulatory and ethical issues related to research with human participants, but questions may also relate to your perception of the HRPP and IRB. Please be timely, honest, and respectful during your time with the site visitors. While the Human Research Protections Office will hold one-on-one preparation sessions, this page will also provide an overview of what to expect.

Please reach out if you have any questions during this preparation process! We're excited and proud to show AAHRPP the thoughtful analysis and discussion held by our IRB members.

General Questions (These questions will likely be asked no matter your role)

• What training have you received? Do you know how to access it? Do you know if the IRB considers you up-to-date?
• Know what constitutes a conflict of interest and understand how conflicts of interest are managed at USU
• Where are protocols submitted?
• What is AAHRPP Accreditation, and why is it important? Understand the Accreditation process (Step 1: Application; Step 2: Revisions based on application; Step 3: site visit; Step 4: recommendation to the Council)
• What standards does USU use to review protocols? (Belmont Report, Common Rule)

IRB Member Questions

You are specifically being interviewed as a member of USU's Institutional Review Board. Here is a summary of AAHRPP's emphases within your membership and potential questions:

• What does the IRB do?
• Clearly describe your role and responsibilities in supporting the protection of human research participants
• Understand and describe the ethical aspects, purpose, and value of your work as an IRB member
• Know where to obtain answers to ethical/regulatory questions
• Know the process for noncompliance reporting
• Know your training requirements, the training requirements of researchers, and what materials exist as resources for you and for researchers at USU
• Describe the training you have received as an IRB reviewer. Do you receive continuing education?
• Know IRB terminology (protocol, exempt, expedited, Full Board/Convened IRB, noncompliance, reportable events, informed consent, etc.)
• What do you do when you have a conflict of interest as an IRB member?
• Does the IRB review Conflict of Interest Management plans?
• What is the IRB Evaluation process?
• Understand the Belmont Report Principles and the Common Rule and how those are applied to research at USU
• What other laws and policies does the IRB consider? 
  • Information on HIPPA, FERPA, PPRA, and the European Union General Data Protection Regulation Guidance can all be found within the "Laws, Regulations, and Codes" section of "Guidance Documents"
• What is the IRB's reputation on campus? 
• Do you think the IRB's workload is fair and reasonable?
• If you have concerns about anything occurring on the IRB, what do you do?
• Do you think the resources supporting the IRB are adequate?
• Do you think the institution prioritizes the work of the IRB?
• Do you feel as though the support exists for your role as a member of the IRB?
• Do you feel like the IRB is kept adequately independent from other institutional pressures?

Understanding of the Human Research Protection Program as a whole

While you are representing the IRB in the accreditation interview, it is important that you understand the other two domains within the protection of human research participants

• Where do you fall within USU’s HRPP?
• Who is the Institutional Official and what is she responsible for?
  • Lisa Berreau, the Vice President for Research, is the current Institutional Official
• Be familiar with USU HRP Policies and Procedures
• What is the mission of USU's HRPP? (To protect the rights and welfare of human research participants who are included in the university's research activities)