Human Subjects Institutional Review Board (HSIRB)

McNeese State University’s HSIRB assures that research involving human subjects is done ethically. To this end, the principles and applications discussed in The Belmont Report: Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research (The National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, April 18, 1979) are applied to guide researchers in formulating informed consent, assessing risks and benefits, and selecting subjects. The principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice will prevail in HSIRB reviews of research involving human subjects.

All individuals conducting research involving human subjects must have their proposed research studies reviewed. Any McNeese State University faculty member, unclassified staff person, or other personnel performing, advising, or supervising research involving human subjects must comply with all McNeese State University HSIRB requirements and ensure that the students involved comply with the same requirements.

The HSIRB is appointed by the provost and consists of:

• The chairperson;
• A faculty member from each of the following areas: agriculture, biology, business, education, graduate studies, liberal arts, nursing, and psychology; and
• One member not affiliated with McNeese State University and not an immediate family member of a person affiliated with the University.

The responsibilities of the HSIRB are:

• To advise the University administration on all matters regarding human subjects’ rights and welfare during research; and
• To ensure University compliance with all applicable federal, state, and University policies and regulations regarding the use of human subjects.

The functions of the HSIRB are:

• To authorize the use of human subjects for research, teaching, training, and experimentation when required after reviewing the human subjects use protocol application;
• To prepare and submit all appropriate evaluation forms to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs;
• To make recommendations to the administration regarding any aspect of the University’s human subjects use program; and
• To review any concerns involving the use of human subjects at the University.

Communication

This policy is distributed via the University Policies webpage.