Quality Improvement Program (IRB Auditing)

Purpose

Quality assurance auditing at Case Western Reserve University compares the implementation of the human subjects protocol by the investigator to the specifics of the CWRU Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved protocol. In effect, this confidential process ensures compliance with the Title 45 Code Federal Regulations Part 46 and University Policy on the Involvement of Human Participants in Research regulating human subject research. Specifically, 45 CFR 46 states that "research covered by this policy be subject to further appropriate review." The University's FWA also requires that the Office of Research Compliance (formerly the Office of Research Administration) and the IRB Administrative Offices be responsible for procedural and record-keeping audits not less than once every year for the purpose of detecting, correcting, and reporting (as required) administrative and/or material breaches in uniformly protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects as required at least by the regulations and as may otherwise be additionally required by the FWA institution."

Protocols Subject to Audit

Any human subject research protocol approved by the Case Western Reserve University IRB may be selected randomly for quality assurance auditing or audited on a for cause basis.

Policies and Procedures 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact

Kimberly Volarcik
HRPP Quality Improvement Program Director
216-368-0134
kav6@case.edu