Institutional Review Board

The Alta Bates Summit Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews and oversees all human subjects research conducted by or under the auspices of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. The function of the IRB is to ensure adherence to all federal, state, local, and institutional regulations concerning protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects.

Any research study involving human subjects must receive IRB approval prior to initiation. The IRB must also conduct continuing reviews of the research at least once a year during the life of the study; review and approve all proposed study modifications after initial approval; and monitor adverse events and other unanticipated problems affecting subject safety and welfare.

The Alta Bates Summit IRB is composed of two separate committees or “panels”: the Alta Bates panel (which meets at the Alta Bates campus) and the Summit panel (which meets at the Summit campus). Each panel meets monthly and is composed of members from both scientific and non-scientific backgrounds, including physicians, other hospital staff, and representatives from the local community. Although meeting at separate campuses, each panel is available to review any research conducted at either campus.

For further information—including IRB policies and procedures, application forms, and meeting schedules—please contact David Gill, PhD, CIP, IRB Administrator, at (510) 204-1414 or gilld@sutterhealth.org. You may also write to Alta Bates Summit IRB, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 2450 Ashby Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705.