Our Human Research Protection Program (HRRP) is committed to protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of people who choose to participate in research. Every study follows strict ethical standards and federal regulations designed to ensure respect, transparency, and patient autonomy at every step. These protections help patients make informed decisions, reduce risk, and ensure privacy.

Multiple layers of oversight and safeguards are in place to protect people who participate in research including:

• Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversight - An independent committee reviews research studies to ensure they are being conducted ethically and safely, before they begin and until they are completed.
• Informed consent - Participants receive clear information about the study’s purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives before deciding whether to join.
• Ongoing safety monitoring - Research teams monitor studies throughout participation to address risks or concerns.
• Privacy and confidentiality safeguards - Personal information is protected according to federal laws and institutional policies.

All research undergoes a robust scientific review process by the Scientific Review Board (SRB) to evaluate:

• The soundness of the research
• The ability of the research to answer the proposed questions
• The research project’s alignment with Intermountain Research’s mission of serving current and future patients with science

The Intermountain Health IRB assures the ethical conduct of biomedical research involving human subjects with a focus on patient safety and privacy. The IRB reviews all Intermountain research involving human subjects before the research is conducted to ensure human subjects’ rights and welfare are protected, potential risks are minimized and that there are benefits to participants and our community.

The IRB is responsible for the following:

• Determining if a project meets the definition of human subjects research
• Reviewing and approving applications to conduct research involving human subjects
• Continuing review of approved protocols
• Monitoring of reported adverse events involving subjects in approved protocols
• Ensuring and facilitating the ethical conduct of biomedical research involving human subjects

Contact us for questions, complaints, concerns or for additional information concerning your rights as a research participant.

The Intermountain Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) oversees and reviews research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules and other biohazards, ensuring that such work is conducted safely, securely, and responsibly. Intermountain Health contracts with WCG to provide some IBC reviews and services. The NIH requires all IBC meeting minutes approved on or after June 1, 2025 to be posted publicly. New minutes will be added to the document below as they become available.