Reciprocity with Nationwide Children’s Hospital
The Ohio State University has an IRB Authorization Agreement with Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) that permits Ohio State and NCH to collaborate in the review and oversight of human subjects research that would otherwise require review by both organizations. This agreement applies in the following circumstances:
- An Ohio State investigator performs or is engaged in a study at NCH
- An NCH investigator performs or is engaged in a study at Ohio State
For most studies, IRB review or an exempt determination will be provided by only one organization. The overall study principal investigator will submit a request for reliance to their home institution (Ohio State or NCH). A determination will be made (in consultation with the relying institution as needed) as to whether the project is appropriate for reliant review. If so, an IRB of record will be established or an exempt determination provided. Submission instructions are located below.
Exceptions
The following research is excluded from the reliance agreement:
- Research that is designated for reliant review under another reliance agreement or contract (e.g., industry-sponsored and industry-initiated clinical trials that are reviewed for Ohio State by Western IRB)
- Planned emergency research
- Gene transfer
- Xenotransplantation
- Embryonic stem cell research
Submission Instructions
When Ohio State is the IRB of Record:
- Submit the study for IRB review or exemption using the Buck-IRB online system.
- List NCH as a study site in the “Domestic Research Sites – Non-Ohio State Locations” section of the application.
- Upload an NCH reliance acceptance notification that lists all NCH collaborators participating in the research. Note: personnel listed on the reliance acceptance must match those in Buck-IRB.
- List all engaged NCH collaborators on the “External Co-Investigators & Key Personnel” page.
When NCH is the IRB or Record:
- Submit the study for ceded review using the Buck-IRB online system.
- Select NCH IRB on the “Review Board” page to create an abbreviated “shell” application. Note: Ohio State staff and students working with NCH faculty are able to submit shell applications for ceded review.
- Upload to Buck-IRB copies of the protocol, NCH IRB/exempt application, consent form, and any other relevant study materials necessary to determine that the research meets the requirements for ceding review.
- Following screening, Ohio State’s approval to cede review is issued through Buck-IRB. The approval must be submitted to NCH with the full NCH IRB/exempt application.
Note: After initial approval, investigators should submit all subsequent study requests and documents (except those involving personnel changes) directly to NCH, following NCH guidelines. Changes in Ohio State PI, co-investigators, or key personnel must be entered into the Buck-IRB system and receive Ohio State authorization before submitting the change to NCH.
Questions or Assistance
Sarah Hersch, MA, CIP
Senior IRB Protocol Analyst
The Ohio State University
Office of Responsible Research Practices
300 Research Administration Building
1960 Kenny Road
Columbus, OH 43210
Phone: 614-688-1253 | Email: Hersch.5@osu.edu
NCH IRB Reliance Team
The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
700 Children’s Drive
Columbus, OH 43205
Phone: 614-722-2708 | Fax: 614-722-2716 | Email: IRB.Reliance@nationwidechildrens.org
