We’d tell you exactly how many days there between now and Thanksgiving, but knowing the exact figure might throw us into a panic. So we’ll just stick with the facts — the holiday season is just about upon us, which means feasts, presents, parties, and keeping any pressing research deadlines in mind. Both Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Tuesday this year, meaning two weeks in a row of no IRB meetings. Also, the season will bring with it the usual staff absences due to vacations, and, as an extra special treat this year, we have the implementation of the Revised Common Rule looming beginning Jan. 19, 2019.
So please keep an eye on the calendar as you plan IRB submissions for the rest of the year. Things may take a bit longer than usual to get approved, particularly if they’re full board submission that don’t make it onto an agenda by Dec. 18. Our next meeting after that will be January 8. And remember that anything approved after Jan. 18 will have to be in compliance with the Revised Common Rule — including studies submitted well before that implementation date, but not approved until afterward.