Board of Visitors minutes :: June 2, 1972 :: University of Virginia Library

The complexity of the University of Virginia requires that there be two review committees, each having a chairman. Both committees are responsible to the Vice President and Provost of the University.

All applications involving the use of human subjects in research which originate in the Medical Center will be reviewed by a committee hereinafter referred to as the Clinical Research Committee. The Clinical Research Committee at the University of Virginia is composed of ten members from varying backgrounds to assure complete and adequate review of research protocols. The members of the Clinical Research Committee are appointed by the Dean of the Medical School. The majority of the members will be engaged in private practice as well as carrying out research. See Appendix A, Current Membership and Qualifications of the Clinical Research Committee.

All applications involving the use of human subjects in research which originate elsewhere in the University and outside the Medical Center will be reviewed by the General University Committee, which is appointed by the Vice President and Provost. This committee is composed of at least six members with representation from the Schools of Education, Engineering and Law and the Departments of Psychology and Sociology and Anthropology. See Appendix B, Current Membership and Qualifications of the General University Committee.

The Chairman of each committee will serve as ex officio member of the other. The General University Committee member from the School of Law may serve as consultant to the Clinical Research Committee upon request. Conversely, applications to the General University Committee which have medical implications will be referred to the Clinical Research Committee for review and approval.

No individual shall participate in the review of the research activities in which he is involved, except to provide information to the committee. A committee member will absent himself during all discussion and voting on his own application. A majority of the committee members constitute the quorum, and a majority of the members present determines the final decision, which will be immediately reported to the Vice President and Provost with appropriate attachments.

It is the responsibility of the chairman of both committees to determine the need for and obtain the services of an expert advisor or consultant whenever this is necessary for the competent review of any application. The source and substance of such advice shall be reported to the Vice President and Provost along with the committee's decision. Similarly, the review committee has the responsibility to inform each investigator of any possible need for expert advice or consultation during the conduct of the investigation and to suggest where such may be obtained; this will form a part of the committee's decision report.