RESEARCH COMPLIANCE
In 2008, the VA Office of Research and Development (ORD) issued a national mandate that all VA research oversight be conducted by Research Compliance Officers (RCO). The Research Compliance Office works independent of but cooperatively with the Research Service. The RCO reports directly to the Medical Center Director.
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The Research Compliance Office oversees the conduct of human, animal, and laboratory studies. Its mission is to protect human research participants, animals used in research, and laboratory staff, and to promote standards of excellence within the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System research community.
The VA Office of Research Oversight (ORO) has mandated that the key component of compliance must be auditing of the research program.
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All studies initiated after 1/1/08 (human, animal, and laboratory) must be audited on a rotating basis every three years (regulatory requirements and study conduct).
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100% of research informed consent forms (human studies) must be audited annually (12-month look-back period)
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33% of closed studies within the reporting period must be audited
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For-cause audits must be conducted as necessary (investigations of noncompliance, complaints, and allegations) or as requested by IRB, IACUC, SRS, VA ORO, or other oversight agencies.
If you conduct research in the VA or VA leased space, with VA funding, or using VA participants, you are required to conduct those studies in accordance with VHA Handbooks and policies, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System policies & procedures, and your approved protocols and grants.
Compliance Guidance:
Institutional Assurance Number (FWA)
ORO Guidance for RCO Research Audit and Training Requirements
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Commonly Used Documents:
Signature and Delegate Authority Log
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Guidance Documents and Submission of Documents
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For additional information, contact:
Research Compliance Office at CLERESEARCHCOMPLIANCE@va.gov*
* This link uses regular email and is not secure. Do not send personal or medical information unprotected over the Internet.