An updated IRB Policy 17.9, Prisoners in Research, is now available on the IRB’s policies website.
The policy changes include clarifying what kind of studies involving prisoners the IRB can approve. In looking closely at the OHRP regulations and the kinds of research we do here, and after consulting with OHRP, we became aware of some additional flexibility our policy could incorporate. We also clarified that certain types of research can only begin AFTER the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is notified of the study, consults with relevant experts, and then publishes a Federal Register notice indicating the intent to approve the research. Those DHHS requirements apply to studies conducted or supported (i.e. funded) by DHHS. We can’t imagine many studies are sent for DHHS secretary approval, as that approval process sounds like it would take months. However, similar projects that AREN’T funded or supported by DHHS are not subject to that that secretary step.
Take a look at the policy to get a better idea of the allowable types of research that might involve prisoners.