POLICY STATEMENT

It is UAB policy that research involving human subjects will take into account the privacy interests of participants. The term “privacy interest” refers to the interests of individuals in limiting access to themselves, where limiting access to themselves includes limiting access to their personal information and to them physically. When appropriate, in order to approve research, the IRB will determine that there are adequate provisions to maintain the privacy of participants in accordance with federal regulations, if applicable, and applicable state or local laws and regulations. This standard will apply to initial review, continuing review, and review of modifications to research by the convened IRB, expedited review procedures, or limited IRB  review for relevant exempt research (See also PRO155: Procedures for Maintaining the Privacy of Research Subjects.) In making its determination, the IRB will consider the following points related to privacy in order to approve research:

• The reasonable expectations of privacy in relation to the research;
• The sensitivity and appropriateness of private information sought in relation to the research;
• The potential for disclosure of private facts about participants to unwanted third parties within the research setting or placement of participants in a false light;
• The intrusive nature of the research procedures involved.

Investigators are responsible for providing the information to make these considerations by the IRB.