Minimal Risk Research

There are two categories of Minimal Risk Studies:  Exempt and Expedited.  These are just names, so please do not get caught up in what the two terms seem to imply.  That is, the names do not mean that the a review is exempt from submission to our office, or that a particular review is necessarily "speedy."   Determining whether a proposed research study falls within one of the Exempt or Expedited categories is often a judgment call rather than a hard line regulatory decision.  The decision becomes clearer when the researcher is able to frame their research proposal into one of the Exempt of Expedited categories.  It is important that investigators familiarize themselves with the categories, so they know which initial application form to complete. 

Also, Retrospective Chart Reviews are minimal risk research.  Our form is designed to assist our office with making the correct determination on whether your retrospective chart review is Exempt or Expedited.