Institutional Review Board (IRB)

CentraCare Institutional Review Board Organization

CentraCare IRB reviews research studies that involve human subjects. The role of the IRB is to ensure research is safe, ethical and respects participants.

The IRB reviews each study to ensure the following:

  • People’s rights and well-being are protected.
  • Risks are reasonable compared to potential benefits and the value of the knowledge gained.
  • Participants give informed consent based on clear, accurate information.

The IRB follows federal regulations and ethical standards.

  • Respect for Persons: Honor personal choice and protect vulnerable individuals.
  • Beneficence: Minimize harm and maximize possible benefits.
  • Justice: Ensure fairness in who bears risk and who gains benefit.

IRB Structure

The IRB consists of clinicians (i.e. physicians, nurses, allied health professionals) and community members from within CentraCare and the surrounding community.

The Nursing Research Review Board (NRRB) is a separate board that reports back to the CentraCare IRB. There are members that serve on both the CentraCare IRB and the NRRB.

IRB Leadership

  • Chair: Dr. Tod Speer, MD
  • Vice Chair: [position open]

Nursing Research Review Board (NRRB)

The NRRB is part of the IRB and focuses on nursing-related research. If your study involves nursing practice or is nursing-focused, submission should be directly to the NRRB. The NRRB will decide if your study can be approved within its’ scope or requires full IRB review. This Board consists of master prepared nurses, and above, in a variety of specialties.

NRRB Leadership

  • NRRB Chair: Denise Christie, DNP, APRN, CRNA

Federal Wide Assurance

CentraCare holds a Federal Wide Assurance (FWA number 00001420) from the Office for Human Research Protection within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The FWA is a binding agreement between DHHS and CentraCare which is renewed at least every 5 years.

To request formal documentation regarding the IRB's FWA and registration, please email Kelly Kasper, CentraCare Research Compliance Officer.

IRB Documents for Download (PDF)

Questions?

For any questions related to IRB, please email Kelly Kasper or call 320-251-2700, ext. 51718.

For any questions related to intake forms or application submissions, please email the CentraCare Research Department.