Which statement most accurately describes the role of IRBs?

The role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) is primarily centered around the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research. This is a fundamental responsibility that stems from ethical principles defined in guidelines such as the Belmont Report, which emphasizes respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. IRBs ensure that any research involving human participants is conducted ethically, assessing the risks and potential harms against any possible benefits to the individuals and society.

This involves reviewing research proposals to ensure that informed consent is obtained, risks are minimized, and participants’ privacy and confidentiality are protected. Additionally, IRBs have the authority to approve or disapprove research studies based on these ethical considerations. While they may also glance at factors relating to scientific merit, their core function remains significantly focused on safeguarding participants rather than evaluating funding aspects, scientific quality, or merely overseeing low-risk studies. These other functions are not the primary purpose of IRBs, reinforcing why the accurate description is about protecting human subjects.