Occasionally research sites either rescind their permission to conduct research at their site. This situation happens to new researchers and veteran researchers alike in all types of research. As unfortunate as this situation is it is important to respect the wishes of the site and accept their decision.

Additionally, if leadership changes at the site, you are required to obtain new written permissions (a copy of which must be emailed to the IRB) in order to continue doing research at that site. Sometimes new leadership will deny the request. If data has been partially collected, the researcher may not use the data without the permission of new leadership.  If new leadership denies the request, the researcher must destroy the data and start again if the data contains information proprietary to the site. Contact the IRB Office with questions regarding what information is proprietary to the site.

If you already have IRB approval but your research site permission is no longer valid that you will not be able to collect data until after you have secured a new site. The new site must be reviewed and approved by the IRB. You will need to submit a modification form to the IRB. Instructions on submitting a modification can be found in the IRB A-Z Handbook. Contact the IRB Office with additional questions.