Frequently Asked Questions

Who must apply for human subjects review through CPHS?

When does the full committee meet?

Is CPHS review required only if the project has funding?

What is research?

What is the IRB review fee that I should include in my initial budget?

What is the location of office hours?

What are the responsibilities of researchers?

What is consent?

Who must apply for human subjects review through CPHS?

The CPHS is the reviewing Committee for researchers affiliated with Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Review is required by the CPHS prior to initiation of the project whether or not a funding source is available. This applies to ALL research involving people including but not limited to clinical, social science, and behavioral. If in doubt, contact the CPHS office. For student project review information please go to the student researcher page of our website.

When does the full committee meet?

CPHS has three full committees that meet monthly. Meetings are held on the first, third, and fourth Thursdays of the month.

Is CPHS review required only if the project has funding?

Any research study involving human subjects must be submitted to the CPHS, regardless of funding source, or lack there of.

What is research?

Research is defined as a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.

What is the IRB review fee that I should include in my initial budget?

Please see this page for current fee information. 

What is the location of office hours?

Office hours are held in the GSMD Registrar's suite.  From the main rotunda of DHMC, enter the 4th floor of the NCCC Rubin building from the atrium stairway. Take an immediate left, noting the CPHS wooden drop-box on the wall. Enter the hallway through the door by the drop-box, pass DMS 1 East and West on the right. Enter the GSMD Registrar's suite. Proceed past the reception area on your immediate right. The next doorway on your right is a small conference room that functions as the CPHS satellite office on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location is otherwise unstaffed and the telephone is not monitored.

What are the responsibilities of researchers?

1. To conduct research according to ethical principles, federal regulations, and internal procedures.
2. To ensure participants are informed prior to enrollment and that communication continues throughout the study.
3. To protect the rights and welfare of human research participants.
4. To keep Co-investigators and all research staff informed about the nature and goals of the project.
5. To obtain CPHS approval for revisions prior to initiation.
6. To report progress in a continuing review of approved research to the CPHS Office at least once a year.
7. To report to the CPHS any serious injuries or other unanticipated problems involving risks to participants or others.

What is consent?

The consent process must provide potential participants with sufficient information to make informed choices about either beginning or continuing participation in research. The process involves a dynamic and continuing exchange of information between the research team and the participant throughout the research experience. The consent form is a tool to assist the researcher.