Do all research studies using human subjects require approval from an institutional review board?

Approval from an institutional review board (IRB) is crucial for maintaining ethical standards in research involving human subjects. The primary purpose of the IRB is to review research proposals to ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of the participants. This process includes evaluating potential risks, ensuring informed consent, and assessing how well the study design respects participants' autonomy and confidentiality.

While there may be some exceptions or specific contexts in which certain studies might not require IRB approval (such as research involving data that is publicly available or studies that do not involve direct interaction with human subjects), the general principle holds that most research studies involving human participants do require oversight. This ensures that research adheres to federal regulations, institutional policies, and ethical standards. Consequently, declaring that all research involving human subjects necessitates IRB approval is accurate and underscores the commitment to ethical research practices.