Certification for IRB Professionals (CIP) Practice Exam

In terms of IRB concerns, what does "sufficiently qualified" mean?

1. IRB must have a large number of members

2. IRB must have members of varied professional backgrounds

3. IRB must possess relevant experience and expertise

4. IRB should conduct meetings regularly

The correct answer is: IRB must possess relevant experience and expertise

The phrase "sufficiently qualified" in the context of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) emphasizes the importance of having members with the relevant experience and expertise necessary to effectively review research protocols. This ensures that the IRB can evaluate the ethical, scientific, and regulatory aspects of the proposed research, ultimately safeguarding the welfare of human subjects involved. Having members with diverse experience allows the IRB to assess studies from multiple perspectives, including ethical considerations, scientific validity, and the potential risks and benefits to participants. This expertise is critical because it helps the IRB to make informed decisions that uphold ethical standards and compliance with federal regulations. While having a diverse range of professional backgrounds or conducting meetings regularly are valuable, they do not inherently ensure that the IRB has the necessary knowledge to address the complexities of the studies they review. Therefore, the primary focus of "sufficiently qualified" is directly tied to the relevant experience and expertise of its members, highlighting the need for members who can contribute meaningfully to the review process.