Human Research Protection Program (HRPP)
Baystate's Human Research Protection Program supports our investigators in conducting compliant and ethically sound research.
Program staff assist investigators with protocol submissions, prospective and retrospective research compliance monitoring visits, and informed consent observation. HRPP also provides education for investigators and study staff on the principles governing the responsible conduct of research.
Our Accredited Program Promotes High Quality Research
In 2010, Baystate received full accreditation from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP). The organization maintained this status by earning an additional five-year reaccreditation from AAHRPP in June 2023.
As the "gold seal," AAHRPP accreditation offers assurances—to research participants, researchers, sponsors, government regulators, and the general public—that an HRPP is committed to scientifically and ethically sound research and continuous improvement.
Institutional Official: Peter Friedmann, MD, MPH
Director of HRPP: Shemetra Owens, CIP, CIM
Federal Regulations and Oversight
Federal oversight is provided by the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP). OHRP has assigned Baystate Federal Wide Assurance (FWA) number 00004355.
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Research involving the use of human subjects may only begin when an Institutional Review Board (IRB) has reviewed and approved the research study. Baystate Health has two IRBs that operate as independent groups comprised of volunteers, including physicians, health professionals, and community members. The boards meet on the second Wednesday and fourth Monday of each month to review human subjects research studies and ensure that research is conducted ethically, participants' rights and welfare are protected, and all appropriate regulations are followed.
The Chair for Board 1 is Paul Visintainer, PhD. The Chair for Board 2 is Robert Baevsky, MD.