Continuing Review and Revision

Because research is an ongoing process, IRB oversight does not end when a study is approved. Investigators are required to conduct their studies in ways that are consistent with the protocol they described in their IRB review application, and any divergences from protocol ("protocol deviations") must be reported to the IRB office. At the University of Richmond, approval of studies expires after one year, and so continuing studies must request renewal, and studies that have been completed must be formally closed. Investigators are also asked to maintain complete records of their study's documents.