WHY THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT TO THE IRB:
This information is important to determine whether the DOH IRB has jurisdiction over the activity. The DOH IRB is responsible for reviewing research involving human subjects. Some public health activities such as surveillance may resemble research, but do not require IRB review because they are specifically or broadly authorized by state law. The Ethics and Human Research Protection Program encourages investigators, contractors, and program directors to contact the office for assistance determining whether a particular activity involves research as defined in DOH policy and federal regulation, or whether DOH is directed to perform an activity under state law and not under the jurisdiction of the DOH IRB.