Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The IDPH Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews research studies to ensure that the rights and well-being of people who are subjects in research are protected. It is the IRB’s vision that investigators are provided with thorough and timely review of their research proposals and that persons participating in research are assured the research is conducted in an ethical and accountable manner.

• Policy on Protection of Human Research Subjects (PDF)
• Procedures Manual (PDF) - updated 03/02/2012
• IRB Members - updated 03/03/2023
• Responsible Individuals Contact List - updated 03/03/2023
• Instructions for Extramural Investigators (PDF)

To submit your request, download the applicable forms listed below. Complete and sign the forms, attach any required documents according to instructions (see Instructions for Extramural Investigators, 2. Request Submission, on page 2) and email them to the relevant Responsible Individual(s) found on the Responsible Individual contact list above. If you need further assistance, contact us at 312-814-5173 or 312-814-5278.

• Application(.doc) - updated 10/22/2020
  • Appendix A: Exempt Determination Request
  • Appendix B:Research Involving Human Blood, Urine or Tissue Collection for Analytical Testing and/or Storage (.doc) - updated 01/10/2013
  • Appendix C:Consent Waivers (.doc)
  • Appendix D:Request for Waiver of Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Identifiable Records or Protected Health Information (PHI) (.docx) - updated 06/24/2016
  • Appendix E:Request for Expedited Review of Research (.doc)
  • Appendix F:Study Amendment Request (.docx)
  • Appendix G:Progress Report (.doc)
  • Appendix H:Unanticipated Problems and/or Adverse Events (.doc)
  • Appendix I:Final Study/Closure Report (.doc)

• AHRQ: Informed Consent & Authorization Toolkit for Minimal Risk Research
• CDC: HIPAA Privacy Role & Public Health
• HHS: Human Subject Protection Regulations
• HHS: Office for Human Research Protections
• HHS: The Belmont Report
• NIH: HIPAA Privacy Rule Information for Researchers
• NIH: IRBs & the HIPAA Privacy Rule
• NIH: Research Repositories, Databases, & the HIPAA Privacy Rule

• Application
• Appendix A: Exempt Determination Request
• Appendix B: Research Involving Human Blood, Urine or Tissue Collection for Analytical Testing and/or Storage
• Appendix C: Waiver of Consent
• Appendix D: Request for Waiver of Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Identifiable Records or Protected Health Information
• Appendix E: Request for Expedited Review of Research
• Appendix F: Study Amendment Request
• Appendix G: Progress Report
• Appendix H: Unanticipated Problems and/or Adverse Events
• Appendix I: Final Study/Closure Report

• Policy on Protection of Human Research Subjects
• Procedures Manual
• Instructions for Extramural Investigators
• IRB Members
• Responsible Individuals
• Distinguishing Public Health Practice and Human Subjects Research