The Revised Common Rule, slated to take effect after Jan. 19, 2019, will expand the types of studies eligible for exempt status review. That’s generally good news for researchers, as it reduces the regulatory burdens they face in carrying out research.
One slight change will be somewhat in the other direction — the check-in the UAMS IRB requires for exempt status study will return to an annual time period, rather than the current 3-year interval. Note that this annual check-in is NOT a full continuing review — it is limited to two quick questions in CLARA.
Note that this change will apply only to exempt status studies initially approved AFTER Jan. 19, 2019. Exempt status studies approved before that date will remain on the 3-year review cycle.