About the Institutional Review Board

The decision to conduct research should rest upon a considered judgment by the investigator as to the relative contributions of the research activities pondered and their concomitant risks to human subjects. Researchers should thus carry out their investigations with respect for the people who may choose to participate, their families, cultures, institutions, social systems, and the environment. The principles that follow are intended to explicate the investigator's ethical responsibilities toward human subjects in research.

1. In planning a study, the investigator has the personal responsibility to make a careful evaluation of its ethical acceptability, taking into account the previously described principles for research with human subjects. To the extent that this appraisal, weighing scientific and humane values, suggests a deviation from any principle, the investigator incurs an increasingly serious obligation to seek ethical advice and to observe more stringent safeguards to protect the rights of the human research subjects.
2. Responsibility for the establishment and maintenance of acceptable ethical practice in research always remains with the individual investigator. The investigator is also responsible for the ethical treatment of the research subjects by collaborators, assistants, students, and employees, all of whom, however, incur parallel obligations.
3. Ethical practice requires the investigator to inform subjects of all features of the research that reasonably might be expected to influence willingness to participate and to explain all other aspects of the research about which the subjects inquire. Openness and honesty are essential characteristics of the relationship between the investigator and research subjects. When the methodological requirements of a study necessitate concealment or deception, the investigator is required to ensure subjects' understanding of the reasons for this action. Such deception or concealment increases the investigator's responsibility to protect the welfare and dignity of the research subjects.
4. Ethical research practice requires the investigator to respect the individual's freedom to decline to participate in research or to discontinue participation at any time. The obligation to protect this freedom requires special vigilance when the investigator is in a position of power over the subjects. A decision to limit this freedom increases the investigator's responsibility to protect the subjects' dignity and welfare.
5. The ethical investigator must maintain a clear separation of roles between that of researcher and any other position, on-campus as well as off-campus, that impinges on the study.
6. Ethically acceptable research begins with the establishment of a clear and fair agreement between the investigator and the research subjects that clarifies the responsibilities of each. The investigator has the obligation to honor all promises and commitments included in that agreement.
7. The ethical investigator protects subjects from physical and mental discomfort, harm, and danger. If the risk of such consequences exists, the investigator is required to inform the subjects of that fact, secure consent before proceeding, and take all possible measures to minimize distress. A research procedure may not be used if it is likely to cause serious and lasting harm to subjects.
8. After the data are collected, the ethical practice requires the investigator to provide the subjects with full clarification of the nature of the study and to remove any misconceptions that may have arisen. Where scientific or humane values justify delaying or withholding information, the investigator acquires a special responsibility to assure that there are no damaging consequences for the subjects.
9. Where research procedures may result in undesirable consequences for the subjects, the investigator has the responsibility to detect and remove or correct these consequences, including, where relevant, long-term aftereffects.
10. Information obtained about the research subjects during the course of an investigation is confidential. When the possibility exists that others may obtain access to such information, ethical research practice requires that this possibility, together with the plans for protecting confidentiality, be explained to the subjects as a part of the procedure for obtaining informed consent.

The Millersville University Statement of Research Ethics is fully consistent with the text of "Belmont Report: Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research," issued by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects on April 18, 1979. Copies of the HHS Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46) and the Belmont Report are available in the Office of the Director of Sponsored Programs and Research Administration.

The minimum statutory constituency of IRBs is prescribed by federal code 45 CFR 46.107 under the auspices of the Office of Human Research protections within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Millersville University supplements the minimum membership pursuant to University policy in order to ensure representation across our academic disciplines as follows:

A minimum of 12 voting members, including the board chairperson, appointed by the University President or designee, with representation as indicated:

• Faculty members with knowledge of human research, including at least:
  1. Two (2) faculty members from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
  2. Two (2) faculty members from the College of Education and Human Services.
  3. Two (2) faculty members from the College of Science and Technology.
  4. One (1) non-college faculty member.
• One (1) non-scientist whose primary concerns are in non-scientific areas, e.g. lawyer, ethicist, or member of the clergy.
• One (1) member not affiliated with the University and not part of the immediate family of persons affiliated with the institution.
• Associate Vice President for Grants, Sponsored Programs, and Research.
• At least two (2) faculty representatives from each of the doctoral programs.

All board members will serve overlapping three-year renewable terms, with one-third of the membership appointed each year.  Committee membership is a 12-month commitment.

Members are appointed by the University President or designee.

The IRB members designate two Co-Chairs annually who serve as reviewers of Exempt and Expedited protocols for 1) undergraduate and Masters students and 2) Doctoral students and faculty, respectively.

 

The following description of the IRB review process reflects the various ethical principles and regulatory requirements that each investigator should consider during the design phase of their project. In order to approve a research project involving human subjects, the IRB must assure itself that (1) the prospective subject population is appropriate in terms of characteristics and number, (2) the recruitment of subjects is free of coercion, (3) the experimental design of the study is sound, (4) any risks associated with the research project are minimized to the greatest extent possible, (5) the potential benefits are maximized to the greatest extent possible, (6) the risks to the subject are outweighed or balanced by the potential benefits, (7) the level of subject compensation (if any) is fair and non-coercive, (8) the degree to which confidentiality is maintained is acceptable, (9) the method used to obtain informed consent is ethically and legally acceptable, and (10) the investigator has the appropriate qualifications, experience and facilities to conduct the research.

The IRB review process is not particularly concerned with the nature of a research topic. Providing the rights and welfare of the subjects are adequately protected and the protocol will be conducted in full compliance with the Department of Health and Human Services regulations, it does not matter what the research topic is or how controversial it is perceived to be. However, after IRB review and approval is obtained, it is possible that a research project could require an additional level of review. As per 45 CFR 46:112, research that has been approved by the IRB may be subject to further appropriate review and approval or disapproval by officials of the institution. Those officials cannot, however, approve any research project unless it is first approved by the IRB.

1. Review of the Prospective Subject Population
   The prospective subject population must be appropriate with respect to the nature and goals of the research. In addition, the investigator should be guided by the principles which lead to an equitable selection of subjects with regard to the potential risks and benefits of the research. The IRB, therefore, will examine carefully the characteristics of the subject population. Factors such as the required number of subjects, age range, sex, ethnic background, and health status will be considered. The utilization of any vulnerable classes of subjects such as sick persons, pregnant women, fetuses, prisoners, children, elderly persons, mentally disabled persons, and persons who are educationally or economically disadvantaged must be clearly justified. Although the use of vulnerable persons as subjects is not prohibited by any regulations or ethic codes, justification for involving vulnerable persons in research generally becomes more difficult as the degree of risk and vulnerability increases.
   
   Naturally, there are exceptions to the principle of "equitable selection of subjects." For instance, research involving social consequences of a disease to which only one ethnic or racial group is susceptible would not require the application of this principle. Two examples are sickle cell anemia in the black population and Tay-Sachs Disease which affects Jewish people. (In cases of unequal access, a full explanation is required.)
2. Review of Method(s) of Subject Recruitment
   The IRB will review the method of prospective subject identification and recruitment in order to be assured it is ethically and legally acceptable. Advertisements used to recruit subjects are considered an extension of the recruitment and informed consent processes and, therefore, must be reviewed by the IRB.
3. Review of Research Methods and Procedures
   The IRB will review the experimental design in order to be assured that the potential risks to the subjects are minimized and the potential benefits maximized by using procedures consistent with sound research design. The IRB accepts the need for certain types of behavioral and social science studies to employ strategies that include either deception and/or the withholding of information. Employment of such strategies must, however, be fully justified. In general, deception is not acceptable if, in the judgment of the IRB, the subject would have declined to participate had she/he been informed of the true purpose of the research. Studies which use deception and/or the withholding of information as part of their experimental design must include a post-study debriefing unless a waiver is granted by the IRB.
4. Review of Potential Risks
   A risk is a potential harm (injury) associated with the research that a reasonable person would be likely to consider significant in deciding whether or not to participate in the research. The concept of risk includes, but is not limited to, discomfort, burden, or inconvenience a subject may experience as a result of the research procedures. Underlying the consideration of risk, is the implicit moral guideline that all investigators have a duty not to harm their subjects and must minimize potential risk to the greatest extent possible.
   
   The five major types of risks are:
   
   
   1. physical risk (e.g., pain, bruising and infection associated with venipuncture, muscle soreness and pain as a consequence of exercise testing, heart attack induced by exercise test);
   2. psychological risk (e.g., stress associated with psychological testing, stimulation of painful memories, feelings of guilt or discomfort precipitated by a sensitive survey);
   3. social risk (e.g., invasion of privacy, loss of community standing);
   4. legal risk (e.g., criminal prosecution or revocation of parole); and
   5. economic risk (e.g., loss of employment, loss of potential monetary gain).
   Both immediate and delayed risks of any procedure involving human subjects will be reviewed by the IRB. In addition, the estimated probability, severity, average duration, and reversibility of any potential harm will be considered according to available empirical data. Furthermore, since certain populations of vulnerable subjects may be at greater risk than others, the IRB will take into consideration the potential risk characterization of the subject. Victims of child abuse or assault, for example, may be at increased risk in sociological or psychological studies. Children, the elderly, prisoners, the mentally disabled, and various ethnic groups may incur an increased level of risk in certain kinds of research projects.
   
   Risk can also be classified as less than minimal, minimal, and greater than minimal. Federal regulations (45 CFR 46.102(i)) define minimal risk as, "The probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not greater in and of than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests." The term "minimal risk" is used as a base or standard by which the risk associated with research is judged.
   
   Examples of "less than minimal risk" procedures include collection of urine, collection of sweat, weighing, pulse measurement, blood pressure measurement, voice recordings, skin fold body composition measurements, and any standard psychological testing with no stress. In actuality, most "less than minimal risk" procedures are interventions that usually (but not always) have no known associated risk. For example, if an investigator were to take one blood pressure measurement using a sphygmometer, this would clearly be a "no known risk" procedure. If, however, the investigator's protocol requires monitoring of the subject's blood pressure every thirty minutes during a five-hour written exam given for the Board certification, the associated risk would be at least "less than minimal" as opposed to "no known risk." This is because of the inconvenience and discomfort associated with multiple interventions. Since risk is such a relative concept, the IRB classification system does not distinguish between "no known risk" and "less than minimal risk" research except for the purpose of risk disclosure on the consent form.
   
   Examples of "minimal risk" procedures include electrocardiography, collection of blood by venipuncture from healthy adults who are not pregnant, moderate exercise testing, administration of standard psychological tests with only a minor level of associated stress, and magnetic resonance imaging. Examples of "greater than minimal risk" procedures include radiology exams (x-ray, CT scan), maximal exercise testing, and stressful psychological testing, including asking sensitive or personal questions on a survey. The IRB will review carefully the risk classification of the research which determines the type of IRB review and consent form format. Under certain circumstances, application of the minimal risk classification will be based upon a consideration of the risks inherent in each life, thereby resulting in a relative standard of minimal risk. Thus, for example, the standard of minimal risk may be different when applied to a person with cancer or mental versus a healthy person.
5. Review of Potential Benefits
   A benefit is a valued or desired outcome. Benefits associated with participation in research can be classified generally as those that accrue to the subject directly (e.g., acquisition by the subject of knowledge considered of value) and those that accrue to society (e.g., additions to the knowledge base). The IRB will review the anticipated benefits to both the subject and to others. In addition, the IRB will consider whether the benefits are maximized to the greatest extent possible through proper protocol design. Therefore, an underlying moral notion of "beneficence" should guide the investigator.
   
   Financial or other forms of compensation are not considered a benefit to be derived from participation. Although the subject may consider financial compensation a desirable outcome, this fact will not be used in the risk/benefit analysis.
6. Risk/Benefit Analysis
   Once the potential risks and benefits are identified, an ethical review of research requires an examination of the relationship of the risks to the benefits. Risks and benefits cannot be considered parallel constructs and, therefore, no formula is applicable. The various ethical codes and regulations, however, require a favorable balance between harm and benefit. To assist the investigator and the IRB in assessing the risk/benefit relationship the following principles are provided.
   
   1. In non-therapeutic research the potential risk to the subject must be outweighed or by the potential benefit to the subject and/or by the potential benefit to society.
   2. In research where a standard therapy (not a part of the research protocol) is employed solely for the benefit of the subject along with additional procedures performed solely for research purposes, the anticipated benefits of the therapy must not be used to justify exposing subjects to the risks associated with the research procedures. Such risks can only be justified in light of the potential benefits of the research procedures. Therefore, only the risks associated with the research procedures should be used in determining the risk/benefit ratio.
7. Review of Subject Compensation
   The IRB will review the amount of compensation (monetary as well as other forms) in order to be assured that it is not coercive and is equitable in distribution.
8. Review of Confidentiality
   The IRB will review the methods to be used to preserve confidentiality. If research data with subject identifiers will be made available to persons other than the listed investigators, sponsor or federal agency, the IRB will review the justification for sharing these data and determine acceptability.
9. Review of Informed Consent
   Although there are federal regulations requiring the subject or the subject's legally authorized representative to give consent prior to the subject's participation in an experiment, the principal reason for informing subjects about an experiment is that they have a moral right to know what is to be done to them and what risk this entails before they give their consent. Human beings are considered autonomous, and the requirement of informed consent is designed to uphold the ethical principle of "respect for persons." The use of human subjects is a privilege-a favor-granted to the researcher, rather than a right. An experiment is something that is done to the subject either primarily or solely for the purpose of advancing knowledge. Indeed, in non-therapeutic research the subject seldom receives any benefit. In order for consent to be ethically and legally valid, it must meet the requirements stated in Principle I of the Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46:116).
   
   The legal documentation of informed consent is the consent form signed by both the subject and the investigator. The ethical and, indeed, legal validity of consent is, however, dependent upon the process of informed consent which requires the investigator to engage in dialogue or negotiation with the prospective subject. The consent form, therefore, should be used by the investigator as an instrument to guide the negotiations with the prospective subject. The informed consent form must embody the elements of informed consent contained in the Department of Health and Human Services regulations as reflected in the IRB Guidelines. The IRB will review both the consent form and the process of informed consent to ensure its acceptability.
10. Review of Investigator Qualifications
    The IRB will review investigator qualifications and must be assured that a) the investigator has the appropriate qualifications and licensure to carry out the procedures involving human subjects with an acceptable degree of risk, and b) the investigator has adequate facilities and equipment to conduct the research with an acceptable degree of risk.
11. Review of Monitoring Requirements
    The IRB will determine whether or not a research project requires review more often than annually and will establish an appropriate monitoring procedure which may include observation of the consent process, observation of on-going research, and review of records.

1. Initial Approval
   
   The principal investigator may be asked to meet with the IRB should it be apparent that clarification or modification of statements in the application are required. No individual involved in the conduct and/or supervision of the research project shall participate in its review, except to provide information to the IRB. The IRB may approve the project as is or may approve it with certain modifications required to meet federal standards. In the latter instance, the investigator will be informed by letter. The IRB approval letter will be sent upon written receipt of the modification. The faculty advisor will be copied on any correspondence sent to student investigators.
   
   If the IRB action is to disapprove the application, reasons for this negative decision will be provided in writing to the principal investigator or project director. If the researcher decides to modify the proposed research in such a way as to meet the objections of the IRB, the investigator may resubmit the modifications of the proposal for consideration at the next IRB meeting. If desired, the investigator may request a personal hearing at the next scheduled IRB meeting.
2. Continuing Review and Request for Protocol Extension
   
   Complex and potentially dangerous projects will be reviewed at a frequency commensurate with the related risks. When initial approval of such a protocol is given, the IRB may indicate the need for re-evaluation of the project after a specified interval so that continued acceptance of the protocol is assured. Projects that are determined to be exempt will not require additional review. Non-exempt proposals are approved for a maximum period of one year only.
   
   If the IRB determines that a project requires review more often than annually, the investigator will be so notified. The IRB has the authority to directly observe ongoing research projects and the consent process as well as audit research records.
   
   When a project that has required continuing review is terminated/completed the investigator must immediately notify the IRB in writing.
   
   For projects which continue beyond their original expiration date, it is the responsibility of the principal investigator to submit to the IRB a formal request for extension using the appropriate form. The request for extension is due six weeks prior to the expiration date on the approved protocol. Upon receipt of the request for extension the IRB will review and approve, if appropriate, continuation of the project for the next twelve month period. Failure to submit an update within 30 days following the due date will result in termination of IRB approval. Projects can be extended annually for a maximum approval period of five years. Continuation of projects beyond five years requires resubmission.
   
   Ongoing projects modified to include humans as subjects also must be submitted to the IRB for review and approval prior to the use of human subjects. In the case of an externally funded project, the granting agency must be notified of the IRB action prior to the appropriation cycle for a budget period during which human subject involvement is proposed.
3. Reporting Proposed Changes in a Research Protocol
   
   Any proposed change in a protocol which affects the human subjects must be reviewed and approved by the IRB prior to the implementation except where an immediate change is necessary to eliminate a hazard to the subjects. Investigators should submit a request for a change in protocol and a revised consent form as required. Minor changes during the period for which approval is in force will be reviewed by an expedited review procedure.
   
   If a change in protocol is relatively minor (e.g., change in investigator, change in the sequence of follow-up visits) it is not necessary to have the subject sign a revised consent form or an addendum to the consent form. If, however, the change is not minor (e.g., addition of an intervention not addressed in the original consent form, disclosure of a previously unidentified risk) the investigator should have all new subjects sign a revised consent form and all currently enrolled subjects who are actively participating in the protocol sign an addendum to the consent form. If the change is considered significant (e.g., disclosure of a serious risk) the use of a witness is required.
4. Submission of a Report of Injury
   
   If a subject suffers an injury, the investigator must submit a report of injury to the IRB within 48 hours.
5. Reporting Non-Compliance with IRB Guidelines
   
   Any incident of non-compliance with IRB Guidelines should be reported immediately to the IRB. Non-compliance with IRB requirements is a violation of federal regulations for the protection of human subjects.

The basic premise of the human subjects review process is that all studies are subject to continuous review. However, some studies may require only an initial review and are exempt from ongoing review. No research study is totally exempt from review (see IRB Review Process section). The University has adopted six categories of research as exempt from continuing Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB) review based upon Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regulations published in the Code of Federal Regulations, 45 CFR 46, March 8, 1983, and amended in the Federal Register on June 18, 1991. In order to establish an individual research project as exempt, an investigator must complete an IRB application. The final determination as to whether a project is exempt rests with the IRB.

If a research project is certified as exempt by the IRB, the investigator need not resubmit the project for continuing IRB review as long as there are no modifications in the exempted procedures. In other words, the use of the term "exempt" refers to the requirement for continuing IRB review but not to the general requirements for the informed consent and protection of subjects. Thus, even if a project is determined to be exempt, the investigator still must inform potential subjects of the proposed procedures and their rights as subjects.

In accordance with DHHS regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects (45 CFR 46, as amended), the following categories of the exemption have been adopted by Millersville University. The exempt categories do not, however, apply to research involving the deception of subjects (i.e., where the researcher deceives the subject with regard to the purpose of the research and/or the results of the subject's actions in the study), sensitive behavioral research, or to research involving pregnant women, children, prisoners, mentally disabled people, and other subject populations determined to be vulnerable.

Exempt Categories

1. Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings, involving normal educational practices, such as (a) research on regular or special education instructional strategies, or (b) research on the effectiveness of or comparisons among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods.
   
   Educational research proposals are exempt providing all of the following conditions are met:
   
   
   1. All of the research is conducted in a commonly accepted educational setting (e.g., public school).
   2. The research involves normal educational practices (e.g., comparison of instructional techniques).
   3. The study procedures do not represent a significant deviation in time or effort requirements from those educational practices already existent at the study site.
   4. The study procedures involve no increase in the level of risk or discomfort associated with normal, routine educational practices.
   5. The study procedures do not involve sensitive topics (e.g., sex, education).
   6. Provisions are made to ensure the existence of a non-coercive environment for those students who choose not to participate.
   7. The school or other institution grants written approval for the research to be conducted.
2. Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior, unless: (a) the information obtained is recorded in such a manner that human subjects can be identified, directly, or through identifiers linked to the subjects; and (b) any disclosure of the human subjects' responses outside the research could reasonably place the subjects at risk for criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects financial standing, employability, or reputation.
   
   
   1. NOTE: Sensitive survey research is not exempt. A sensitive survey is one that deals with sensitive or highly personal aspects of the subject's behavior, life experiences or attitudes. Examples include chemical substance abuse, sexual activity or attitudes, sexual abuse, criminal behavior, sensitive demographic data, detailed health history, etc. The principal determination of sensitivity is whether or not the survey research presents a potential risk to the subjects in terms of possible precipitation of a negative emotional reaction. Additional risk consideration is, of course, whether or not there is risk associated with a breach of confidentiality should one occur. With respect to the potential psychological risk associated with a survey, the presence or absence of subject identifiers is not necessarily a consideration since the risk may be primarily associated with the sensitive nature of the survey as opposed to being dependent upon confidentiality. Subject identifiers do, however, become a factor when confidentiality is an issue.
      
      1. NOTE: When children are involved as subjects in research using survey or interview procedures, the research is not exempt.
      2. NOTE: When children are involved as subjects in research using observation techniques, the research is not exempt.
      3. NOTE: Observation research involving sensitive aspects of a subject's behavior is not exempt.
3. Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures, or observation of public behavior that is not exempt under paragraph 2 of this section, if: (a) the human subjects are elected or appointed public officials or candidates for public office; or (b) federal statute(s) require (s) without exception that the confidentiality of the personally identifiable information is maintained throughout the research and thereafter.
4. Research involving the collection or study of existing data, documents, records, pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens, if these sources are publicly available or if the information is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that subjects cannot be identified directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects.
5. Research and demonstration projects which are conducted by or subject to the approval of department or agency heads, and which are designed to study, evaluate, or otherwise examine: (a) public benefit or service programs; (b) procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs; (c) possible changes in or alternatives to those programs or procedures; and/or (d) possible changes in methods or levels of payment for benefits or services under those programs.
6. Taste and food quality evaluation and consumer acceptance studies: (a) if wholesome foods without additives are consumed; or (b) if a food is consumed that contains a food ingredient at or below the level and for use found to be safe, or agricultural chemical or environmental contaminant at or below the level found to be safe, by the Food and Drug Administration or approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regulations (45 CFR 46, as amended) recognize that there are certain categories of research that involve procedures that pose no more than minimal risks to subjects and for which clear standards can be set. Accordingly, research projects which fall under one of the categories listed below will be reviewed by the Expedited Review Subcommittee, which will consist of the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB) Chair and/or one more IRB member/s selected by the Chair.

All members of the Expedited Review Subcommittee must agree that the protocol falls under one of the expedited categories. Any member may object to the application for expedited review or may have further questions that the investigator must answer. Similarly, each member has the option of referring the application to the IRB for a full review.

If the application is approved by the Expedited Review Subcommittee, it will be reported to the IRB as a consent calendar item at the next convened meeting. The IRB is likely to approve the Expedited Review Subcommittee's action but has the option of requesting more information, requiring modification of the protocol, or disapproving the project.

Listed below are eleven categories subject to expedited review. Expedited review will be given only for research protocols that fall under one of these categories (These categories, as determined by the IRB, may not apply to pregnant women, children, prisoners, mentally disabled persons, and other classes of subjects considered vulnerable).

1. Minor modifications or additions to existing approved studies;
2. Research on individual or group behavior or characteristics of individuals, such as studies of perception, cognition, game theory, or test development, where the investigator does not manipulate subjects' behavior and the research will not involve stress to subjects;
3. The study of existing data, documents, records, pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens;
4. Voice recording made for research purposes such as investigations of speech defects;
5. Moderate exercise by healthy volunteers;
6. Collection of blood samples by venipuncture, in amounts, not exceeding 450 milliliters in an eight-week period and no more often than two times per week, from subjects 18 years of age or older who are in good health and not pregnant;
7. Collection (in a non-disfiguring manner) of hair, nail clippings, and deciduous teeth; and permanent teeth if patient care indicates a need for extraction;
8. Collection for analysis of excreta and external secretions including sweat, uncannulated saliva, placenta removed at delivery, and amniotic fluid at the time of rupture of the membrane prior to or during labor;
9. Recording of data from subjects 18 years of age or older using noninvasive procedures routinely employed in clinical practice. This includes the use of physical sensors that are applied either to the surface of the body or at a distance and do not involve the input of matter or significant amounts of energy into the subject or an invasion of the subject's privacy. (These procedures include weighing, testing sensory acuity, electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, thermography, detection of naturally occurring radioactivity, diagnostic echography, and electroretinography. It does not include exposure to electromagnetic radiation outside the visible range, i.e. x-rays, microwaves);
10. Collection of both supra-and subgingival dental plaque and calculus, provided the procedure is not more invasive than routine prophylactic scaling of teeth and the process is accomplished in accordance with accepted prophylactic techniques; and
11. Research on drugs or devices for which an investigational new drug exemption or an investigational device exemption is not required.

Informed consent is a process. A written informed consent documents this process, but cannot serve as a substitute for it. No subject may be involved in research without the legally effective informed consent of the subject or the subject's legally authorized representative. This consent shall be sought under circumstances that provide sufficient opportunities for the subject to freely consider whether or not to participate. If the subject is a minor, written parental consent or legal guardian consent is required, and the investigator must obtain the assent of the child unless the child is incapable of giving assent.

The information is given to the subject, or the subject's legally authorized representative, must be in simple, easily understood language. If the subject population is not English-speaking, the informed consent must be presented in whatever language is appropriate. If the person uses an alternative form of communication (e.g. Sign Language), the informed consent process must be designed to enable effective communication in the appropriate mode. (If a potential subject is illiterate, the investigator will be required to use a competent witness to verify voluntary informed consent.)

Written documentation of the consent process (e.g., a cover letter or cover sheet) is always required unless specifically waived by the IRB. The consent document should be signed by the subject or the subject's legally authorized representative unless this requirement is waived by the IRB.

In some types of projects, it may be important for information pertaining to consent to be provided verbally. In such an instance, a written summary (script) of what the potential subject will be told must be provided to the IRB for review and approval. Investigators should explain the rationale for not obtaining written informed consent in order that the IRB may approve such an exception.

No informed consent, whether oral or written, may waive or limit in appearance or in fact, the subject's legal rights, including any release of the institution or its agents from liability or negligence.

In all cases of research involving incomplete disclosure, such research is justified only if it is clear that (1) incomplete disclosure is truly necessary to accomplish the goals of the research, (2) there are no undisclosed risks to subjects that are more than minimal, and (3) there is an adequate plan for debriefing subjects, when appropriate, and for dissemination of research results to them. Information about risks should never be withheld for the purpose of eliciting the cooperation of subjects, and truthful answers should always be given to direct questions about the research. Care should be taken to distinguish cases in which disclosure would destroy or invalidate the research from cases in which disclosure would simply inconvenience the investigator.

The following information must be a part of all written informed consent documents:

1. A statement that the project is research and an explanation of the scope, aims, and purposes of the research, and the experimental procedures to be followed including the expected duration of the subject's participation. This statement should include a description of any anticipated benefits the subject or others might reasonably expect.
2. Identification of the investigator, faculty sponsor (if relevant), as well as the name of any other sponsoring or funding source supporting the research. Millersville University should be identified as the responsible institution or as one of the responsible institutions.
3. The following statement will be included in ALL written informed consents (including cover letters). It is suggested that this statement be inserted at the bottom margin of the form, letter or portion of the form that is to be retained by the subject.
   
   THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD
4. A description of any reasonably foreseeable risks or discomforts to the subject (including likely results if any experimental treatment should prove ineffective). If the risk potential is currently unknown or unmeasurable, a statement to that effect will be required.
5. A statement regarding the availability of compensation, medical treatment, or other services if injury occurs will be required for research that involves more than minimal risk. If compensation or medical treatment will be provided, information about how it may be obtained or where further information may be secured will be required.
6. A statement of any new information developed during the course of the research which may relate to the subject's willingness to continued participation will be provided. Related to this, an offer to answer any questions the subject (or the subject's representative) might have regarding the subject's rights shall be included. This statement should include the name, address, and/or telephone number of the principal investigator as the contact point if questions or problems should occur.
7. A statement describing the method by which confidentiality of records identifying the subject will be maintained.
8. A statement that participation is voluntary and that refusal to participate or a subsequent decision to discontinue participation will not result in penalty or loss of benefits to which the subject is otherwise entitled. This statement should include a description of the consequences, if any, that accompany such a decision to withdraw and should explicitly state methods of withdrawal.
9. A copy of the informed consent shall be provided to the subject or the subject's legally authorized representative.
10. Federal law mandates that copies of all informed consents be retained for a minimum of three years after completion of the research. The principal investigator is responsible for the maintenance and retention of such records. If the principal investigator is a student, the faculty sponsor is responsible for the maintenance of these records. If the investigator leaves the institution within this three-year period, all records must be forwarded to the office of the Dean of Education.