Human Research Protection

The Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) consists of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Clinical Trials Office (CTO). The mission of University Medical Center of Southern Nevada’s HRPP is to protect the rights, dignity and welfare of human subjects who participate in the research programs at UMCSN. Specifically, the HRPP has authority over all human subjects research conducted using any property, personnel or facility of UMCSN and under the direction of any employee, student or agent of UMCSN. This authority extends to University Medical Center of Southern Nevada employees, University Nevada, Las Vegas School of Medicine (UNLVSOM) residents, privileged physicians, and contracted physicians, who must submit human subjects research to the HRPP.

The HRPP supports UMCSN’s dedication to excellence in research by promoting the ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice described in The Belmont Report.

Human subjects research conducted at UMCSN requires the review of both the IRB and the CTO. The IRB reviews research submission to ensure the rights, welfare, and the safety of human subjects are protected. The CTO reviews research submissions to ensure UMC research costs are covered in accordance with regulatory and research billing compliance mandates.

Investigators play a crucial role in protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects and are responsible for carrying out sound ethical research consistent with the research plan. Before beginning any human subjects research, investigators are responsible for obtaining IRB approval and CTO institutional approval. Investigators must follow the UMCSN IRB policies and procedures for IRB review and are responsible for ongoing requirements in the conduct of approved research.