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PART 1 - Statement of Principles and Policies

  1. Ethical Principles
  2. Institutional Policy
  3. Applicability

PART 2

  1. IRB Review
  2. SHC Research Investigator Responsibilities
  3. Institutional Responsibilities
  4. Term/Termination
  5. Miscellaneous

PART 3 - Endorsements

Inter-Institutional Amendment

Assurance of Compliance with DHHS Regulations for
Protection of Human Research Subjects

PART 1

This Inter-Institutional Amendment (IIA) is made as of January 1, 2000 between the Shriners Hospitals for Children (SHC) and The General Hospital Corporation, d/b/a/ Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

Shriners Hospitals for Children (SHC) hereby gives assurance that it will comply with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Regulations for the Protection of Human Research Subjects (45 CFR 46, as amended) as specified below.

  1. Statement of Principles and Policies
  1. Ethical Principles
  1. The SHC is guided by the ethical principles regarding all research involving humans as subjects as set forth in the report of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research entitled, Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research (the "Belmont Report"). In addition, the applicable requirements set forth in Title 45, Part 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46) will be met for all research covered by the Assurance to which this Inter-Institutional Amendment (IIA) applies.
  1. Institutional Policy
  1. Except for research in which the only involvement of human subjects is in one or more of the categories exempted or waived under Section 46.101(b)(1-6) or 46.101(i), this policy is applicable to all research involving human subjects, and all other activities which even in part involve such research, if either:
  1. the research is sponsored by the MGH, or
  2. the research is conducted by or under the direction of any employee or agent of the MGH in connection with his or her institutional responsibilities, or
  3. the research is conducted by or under the direction of any employee or agent of the MGH using any property or facility of the SHC, or
  4. the research involves the use by the MGH of the SHC non-public information to identify or contact human research subjects or prospective subjects.
  1. The SHC acknowledges and accepts its responsibilities for protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects of research covered by this policy.

  2. The SHC assures that before human subjects are involved in research covered by this policy, proper consideration will be given to:
  1. the risks to the subjects,
  2. the anticipated benefits to the subjects and others,
  3. the importance of the knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result, and
  4. the informed consent process to be employed.
  1. The SHC acknowledges that it bears full responsibility for the performance of all research involving human subjects covered by this policy.

  2. The SHC bears full responsibility for complying with applicable federal, state, or local laws as they may relate to research covered by this policy.

  3. The SHC encourages and promotes constructive communication among the research administrators, department heads, research investigators, clinical care staff, human subjects, and institutional officials as a means of maintaining a high level of awareness regarding the safeguarding of the rights and welfare of the subjects.

  4. The SHC will exercise appropriate administrative overview carried out at least annually to ensure that its practices and procedures designed for the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects are being effectively applied.

  5. The SHC will consider additional safeguards in research when that research involves prisoners, fetuses, pregnant women, children, individuals institutionalized as mentally disabled, other potentially vulnerable groups and human in vitro fertilization.

  6. The SHC shall provide each individual at the SHC conducting or reviewing human subject research (e.g., research investigators, department heads, research administrators, research reviewers) with a copy of this statement of ethical principles and policy (Part 1, 1.A. & B.).
  1. Applicability
  1. The SHC will abide by the provisions of the General Hospital Corporation (d/b/a Massachusetts General Hospital) Multiple Project Assurance (MPA) M-1331, and will accept the final authority of the MGH’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) when research conducted at the SHC is conducted under the auspices of the MPA institution and in collaboration with SHC.

  2. This assurance of compliance with 45 CFR 46 constitutes an Amendment to the Assurance of the MGH whose IRB will be relied upon by the SHC. This Amendment has no independent standing of its own.

  3. The SHC is not authorized to cite the MPA number of the MGH. However, the MGH, the MPA institution, may cite this Amendment as the basis for involvement of the SHC in Federal human subject research which is conducted under the auspices of the MGH. The SHC is not authorized to cite the Assurance to which this document is an amendment other than in conjunction with conditions set forth in Part 1, I, C, 1, above.

  4. Institutions that have entered into an Inter-Institutional Amendment (IIA) must submit a Single Project Assurance (SPA) to the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR) for DHHS-sponsored research, when that research is not conducted under the auspices of the MGH’s MPA. Therefore, upon request of the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR) of DHHS, the SHC must submit a Single Project Assurance (SPA) to OPRR for DHHS-sponsored research engaged in by the SHC that is not conducted under the auspices of the MGH’s MPA.

PART 2

In regard to Federal human subject research conducted under the auspices of the MGH previously cited in Part 1 of this amendment and below, the SHC will comply with the applicable requirements of 45 CFR 46 as specified below.

  1. IRB Review
  1. MGH IRB – IRB of Record
  1. The SHC does not have an IRB and will rely upon the IRB of Massachusetts General Hospital MPA M1331 as its IRB of record for human subject research for which this Amendment applies. In accordance with the compositional requirements of Sections 107, 103(d), and 111(a)(3), the institution for which this Amendment applies, attests that the attached MGH IRB membership roster documents a membership which is suitably composed to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects at the SHC. The MGH IRB is responsible for the initial and continuing review of research activities for which this Amendment applies and will observe the quorum requirements of Section 108.

  2. The MGH IRB will determine, in accordance with the criteria found at Section 111, that protections for human research subjects at the SHC are adequate.

  3. The MGH IRB will determine that legally effective informed consent will be obtained in a manner and method which meets the requirements of Sections 116 and 117, and in the case of research involving children, 45 CFR 46.408.

  4. The MGH IRB shall review, and have the authority to approve, require modification in, or disapprove changes proposed in this research activity. The SHC will not administratively approve human subject research which has been disapproved by the MGH IRB.

  5. The MGH IRB may be called into an interim review session by the Chairperson at the request of any IRB member or Institutional Officials of either institution to consider any matter concerned with the rights and welfare of any subject.

  6. The MGH IRB will prepare and maintain adequate documentation of its activities in accordance with Section 115.

  7. The MGH IRB will report promptly at least to officials of the SHC and the MGH:
  1. any serious or continuing noncompliance by investigators with the requirements of the MGH IRB, and
  2. any suspension or termination of MGH IRB approval.
  1. The MGH IRB will report promptly to officials of the SHC any information received concerning:
  1. injuries to human subjects,
  2. unanticipated problems involving risks to subjects or others, and
  3. any IRB-reviewed and approved changes in this research activity.
  1. Certification of MGH IRB Review
  1. Certification means the official notification on behalf of the SHC to the sponsoring Federal department or agency that a research project or activity involving human subjects has been reviewed and approved by the MGH IRB in accordance with the MGH OPRR-approved Assurance.

  2. The MGH IRB of record will complete certification to the applicable Federal department or agency that initial or continuing (whichever is applicable) IRB review and approval has been conducted in accordance with Section 103(f).

  3. The SHC will receive a copy of such IRB certifications as they are submitted on its behalf by the MGH to the applicable Federal department or agency and inform the MGH of its administrative concurrence to proceed for at least all initial IRB reviews and approvals for new research activities and substantive changes in previously approved activities.
  1. SHC Research Investigator Responsibilities
  1. Reporting
  1. SHC Investigators will report promptly to the MGH IRB proposed changes in these research activities under this Amendment and the changes shall not be initiated without IRB review and approval except where necessary to eliminate apparent immediate hazards to the subjects.

  2. SHC Investigators will report promptly to the MGH IRB any injuries to subjects or unanticipated problems involving risks to subjects or others.
  1. Other
  1. SHC Investigators acknowledge and accept their responsibility for protecting the rights and welfare of human research subjects involved in research under this Amendment and for complying with all applicable provisions of the MGH OPRR-approved Assurance under which this Amendment is authorized.

  2. SHC Investigators assure that before human subjects are involved in such research, proper consideration will be given to:
  1. the risks to the subjects,
  2. the anticipated benefits to the subjects and others,
  3. the importance of the knowledge that may be reasonably expected to result,
  4. the informed consent process to be employed, and
  5. the need for additional safeguards if the human subjects are especially vulnerable.
  1. SHC Investigators accept their responsibility for performance in such research and will protect human research subjects and satisfy the intent and procedures specified in 45 CFR 46 and other Federal, state, or local laws or regulations which may apply.

  2. SHC Investigators will abide by determinations of and will accept the final authority and decisions of the MGH IRB.

  3. SHC Investigators acknowledge and agree to cooperate in the MGH IRB's responsibility for initial and continuing IRB reviews and approvals, record keeping, reporting, and certification. In addition, continuing reviews will be preceded by progress reports to include overall findings of the research.

  4. SHC Investigators will not accrue subjects on protocols under this Amendment prior to its approval and without certification of MGH IRB review and approval. Provision of emergency medical care without prior full board review is permitted (see 46.116[f]). However, research data may not be used from such interventions.

  5. SHC Investigators will not participate in convened discussion or voting of the MGH IRB except by invited attendance to provide information to the MGH IRB upon request (46.107[e]).

  6. SHC Investigators acknowledge receipt of and compliance with applicable existing Federal policies and guidance having to do with notification of sero positivity, counseling, and confidentiality, where HIV research activities are involved.

  7. SHC Investigators will advise the appropriate officials of other hospitals, clinics, or institutions of the intent to admit human subjects who are engaged in research protocols. When admission to such an institution is planned, foreseen, or regular, that institution must possess an applicable OPRR-approved Assurance prior to involvement of such persons as human subjects and must obtain any prior authorization from the appropriate DHHS Program Office or its designee as may be required. Investigators will not delegate to others the treatment of subjects under such research protocols without prior notification to the MGH IRB.
  1. Institutional Responsibilities
  1. The SHC will abide by all conditions and determinations of the MGH IRB for this research activity.

  2. The MGH will provide both meeting space for the MGH IRB and sufficient staff to support the MGH IRB's review and record-keeping duties.

  3. The MGH will report promptly to the OPRR:
  1. injuries to human subjects,
  2. unanticipated problems involving risks to subjects or others, and
  3. any changes in this research activity which are reviewed and approved by the MGH IRB and the SHC.
  4. any suspension or termination of MGH IRB approval.
  1. The SHC will also ensure that all its investigators have read and have ready access to the Assurance of the MGH and this amendment prior to involvement in human subject research for which they apply.

  2. The SHC is responsible for educating and training its investigators to perform research involving human subjects covered by this Amendment and will provide the necessary staff and resources to satisfy such responsibilities.

  1. The SHC will encourage and help to facilitate constructive communication among the Investigators at SHC, and MGH as a means of maintaining a high level of awareness regarding the safeguarding of the rights and welfare of subjects participating in research conducted under this Amendment.

  2. The SHC will be responsible for ensuring that its physician investigators report promptly to the MGH IRB proposed changes in research activities under this Amendment.

  3. The SHC will be responsible for ensuring that its Investigators report promptly to the MGH any injuries to subjects or unanticipated problems involving risks to subjects or others.

  4. The SHC will maintain a complete and accurate record of its Investigators who are authorized to participate in research approved by the MGH IRB. This record shall be available to MGH upon reasonable request of the IRB Chairperson, Executive Secretary, Manager, or other institutional official responsible for oversight of research activities or compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

  5. The SHC assures that its investigators will abide by the terms of this Amendment. In the event of noncompliance by SHC or its investigators, SHC agrees to take remedial action specified by the MGH IRB, including termination of participation by SHC or its investigators in designated research activities. The SHC may also take further action where appropriate to deter and remedy such deficiencies.
  1. Term/Termination
  1. The provisions of this Amendment become effective on the date first written above. Provided the MPA institution’s MPA remains in good standing, the Amendment shall automatically remain in full force and effect for successive one-year periods, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. Either party shall notify the other of an intention not to renew this Amendment at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term of the Amendment.

  2. This Amendment may be terminated by either party (i) without cause upon ninety (90) days prior written notice; or (ii) upon thirty (30) days prior written notice in the event of a breach by the other party of any material term or condition of this agreement which breach is not cured to the reasonable satisfaction of the non-breaching party within said thirty (30) day notice period. In the event of termination of this Amendment, the MPA institution will notify OPRR.
  1. Miscellaneous
  1. Disapprovals by the reviewing IRB may not be administratively overruled by either cooperating institution.

  2. This Amendment has been executed and delivered in and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

  3. This Amendment may be amended only by a written agreement signed by both parties.

  4. If any provision of this Amendment shall be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Amendment shall not be affected thereby.

  5. Each of SHC and MGH represent that it endorses the National Institutes of Health’s policy concerning the inclusion of minorities and women in study populations.

  6. This Amendment is not assignable in whole or in part, and any attempt to do so shall be void.

  7. All communications, reports and notices shall be delivered by hand, by facsimile or by first class mail, postage prepaid, and addressed as follows:

If to MGH:        Massachusetts General Hospital
                       Director of Human Research Affairs
                       55 Fruit Street
                       Boston, MA 02114

Copy to:            Executive Secretary for Human Studies
                           (same address)

If to SHC:          Chief-of-Staff
                           Shriners Hospitals for Children
                           51 Blossom Street
                           Boston, MA 02114

Copy to:            
                           (same address)

PART 3

The officials signing below agree that all research described in Part 1, I, C (Applicability) of this Inter-Institutional Amendment (IIA) to the applicable OPRR-approved Assurance of the Massachusetts General Hospital, bearing the number M1331, will be conducted in accord with 45 CFR 46 (as amended), the cited Assurance, and this Amendment. The MGH will assume responsibility for ensuring required IRB reviews, approvals, and submission of certifications to the applicable Federal department or agency.

  1. Endorsement of Institution Without IRB

Authorized Institutional Official(s)

Signature:       on file          Date:              

Name and Title:      Ronald G. Tompkins, M.D., Sc.D.
                                   Chief-of-Staff
Institution:                Shriners Hospitals for Children
Address:                   51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114
Telephone:               (617) 726-3447
Facsimile:                 (617) 367-8936
E-mail:                      rtompkins@partners.org

  1. Endorsement of the Massachusetts General Hospital, the Institution with an approved Multiple Project Assurance and IRB
  1. Name of Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital

Authorized Institutional Official

Signature:        on file           Date:                

Name and Title:     Ronald S. Newbower, Ph.D.
                            Sr Vice President for Research & Technology
Institution:              Massachusetts General Hospital
Address:                Boston, MA 02114
Telephone:             (617) 726-3651
Facsimile:               (617) 726-3246
E-mail:                     rnewbower@partners.org

  1. IRB Chairperson or Designee Certifying IRB Review and Approval

Signature:        on file           Date:                

Name and Title:      P. Pearl O'Rourke, MD
                             Director, Human Research Affairs
Institution:              Massachusetts General Hospital
Address:                Boston, MA 02114
Telephone:               (617) 724-2731
Facsimile:                (617) 726-3246
E-mail:                     porourke@partners.org

- SPACE BELOW FOR DHHS USE ONLY -

  1. All parts of this Assurance are in compliance with the requirements of Part 46, Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as amended.
  1. DHHS Recommending Official

Signature:        on file           Date:                

Name and Title:      Katherine Duncan, M.D.
                                   Adjunct Medical Officer
Address:                   Division of Human Subject Protections
                                   Office for Protection from Research Risks
                                   National Institutes of Health, DHHS
                                   6100 Executive Boulevard, Suite 3B01
                                   Rockville, MD 20892-7507
Telephone:               301-496-7005 x207
Facsimile:                 301-402-2803
E-mail:                      kd41f@nih.gov

  1. DHHS Approving Official

Signature:        on file           Date:                

Name and Title:       
                                    Assurance Coordinator, Assurance Branch
Address:                    Division of Human Subject Protections
                                    Office for Protection from Research Risks
                                    National Institutes of Health, DHHS
                                    6100 Executive Boulevard, Suite 3B01
                                    Rockville, MD 20892-7507
Telephone:                301-496-7041 x
Facsimile:                  301-402-0527
E-mail: