Single REB review for Multi-centre research under the new MSSS Multi-Centre Research Ethics Review Mechanism
The Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) announced significant changes to the MSSS Multi-Centre Research Ethics Review Mechanism (2014 Mechanism).
Under the 2014 Mechanism, as of February 1, 2015, a study to be conducted at two or more institutions within the public health and social services network will be subject to:
One ethics review for all sites conducted by the REB of Record (or CER évaluateur)
Site specific assessment (or examen de convenance) at each site
Research authorization by the mandated person (personne mandatée) at each site
The objectives of the change are to increase quality research for the Quebec population, promote Quebec research on the International stage and reduce delays in study approval without compromising the protection of research participants. The 2014 Mechanism applies for all researchers who wish to conduct a study at more than one institution within the public health and social services network of Quebec.
You may have received a letter indicating that the date at which the 2014 Mechanism will take effect was postponed to February 1st, 2015 and that in the interim, all multi-centre studies may be submitted for reviewed to the MSSS Central REB. At the MUHC, given the nature of certain studies, submitting to the Central REB may be problematic. Before submitting your studies to the Central REB, please contact us for more information.
With these changes, the following review mechanisms will be replaced as of February 1, 2015:
The McGill IRB review process
The 2008 Multi-Centre Study mechanism
As of April 1st, 2015, all research projects that were approved under the 2008 Mechanism will be transferred to the 2014 Mechanism at the time of their annual renewal.
Me Marie Hirtle was named the mandated person for the MUHC by the Board of Directors.
Everyone is committed to making the transition as smooth as possible. For more information please visit www.muhc.ca/cae regularly or contact James Ellasus, CAE Coordinator, [email protected] ext. 34323.
More information on the 2014 Mechanism is available at: http://ethique.msss.gouv.qc.ca/lethique-de-la-recherche/recherche-multicentrique/nouvelles-modalites-de-reconnaissance.html