AAHRPP Site Visit

The University of Pittsburgh Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) has been accredited by The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) since 2005 and has recently submitted for re-accreditation.  AAHRPP is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 to ensure research compliance and to promote uniform standards for the protection of human research subjects. 

The University of Pittsburgh HRPP includes not only the IRB, but those involved in human subject research across the University: Leadership, Deans and Department chairs, investigators, research teams and research support offices, to name a few.

The re-accreditation process includes a virtual site visit which that is scheduled to occur May 4-6, 2022.  During the site visit, the AAHRPP team will review records, policies and procedures to ensure the culture of compliance is consistently applied throughout the HRPP.  The AAHRPP team will also conduct interviews with stakeholders in the HRPP which may include you!  Those selected for interview will be notified prior to the scheduled session. 

In anticipation of the site visit, the following guides have been put together to aid in preparation (all are in pdf format).  Please contact the HRP at askirb@pitt.edu with any questions:

General Topics:

FAQs for Researchers and Research Staff

FAQs for IRB Members

University of Pittsburgh HRPP - Structure and Jurisdiction

Ethical Conduct of Research and Federal Regulations Governing Research

Informed Consent, HIPAA Authorization and Waivers

Reportable New Information (RNI)

Topics Specific to Special Situations or Populations

Conflict of Interest Management

Research Involving Persons with Decisional Impairment

Research Involving Pregnant women, fetuses or neonates