Research Ethics Review

1. If you need help determining what sort of review your project needs, use the Ethics Navigation Map for QI, Evaluation and Research Projects.
2. If you have determined that your project is research and requires REB review, start by reading the Frequently Asked Questions.
3. Review the Research Approval Algorithm for a quick snapshot of the process.
4. If your study qualifies for harmonized ethical review, apply via the UBC RISe platform.
5. If your study involves only Interior Health people and resources, apply using the IH REB. Application for Ethical Review form. Contact researchethics@interiorhealth.ca to obtain a copy of the application form. Helpful hints and instructions are found in this Guidance Note.

Research Ethics review does not stop after you receive the approval certificate. You need to report changes and new information to the REB as long as your project is running. This may include:

1. Amendments: Before you can make any changes to your research project, you must apply for approval from the REB. For detailed information, please see the Amendments policy.
2. Renewals: REB Approvals expire. Check the date on your Approval Certificate; if your research will not be finished by that date, you must apply to renew your approval. For detailed information, please see the Renewals policy. 
3. Reportable Events: You must report to the REB regarding any new event or information which can affect the rights or safety of research participants. For detailed information, please see REB policy RR0900 Safety and Serious Adverse Event Reporting and RA0900 Reportable Events.
4. Once your research is complete, report it to the IH REB using the Closures Report, and report the outcomes of your research to the participants. Detailed information is available in the IH REB policy Research Completion.

Please contact researchethics@interiorhealth.ca for application forms.

If you used the UBC RISe platform to apply for REB review, submit all continuing review activities to the IH REB using that platform.

The Interior Health REB fee for the initial ethical review of commercially sponsored research is $3,500; the fee for subsequent annual renewals is $750. The REB will invoice the PI’s institution upon receipt of the application. For eligible clinical trials run by the IH Research Department, the REB will invoice the research department. Fees are non-refundable.

Research sponsored by government granting agencies or foundations is exempt from review fees.

If you have any questions about these fees, please contact the IH REB at researchethics@interiorhealth.ca or 250-870-4602.

If you are leading a project that involves people or their information, and it is not research (e.g. a Quality Improvement project or Evaluation), please see IH Policy AL1600 Project Ethics to learn how to get IH approval. If you require an REB Exemption Letter, contact the chair of the IH REB at researchethics@interiorhealth.ca.

You are expected to comply with IH Research Ethics Policies, all other IH policies that are applicable, and relevant laws such as FIPPA.

• Yearly schedule of application deadlines

• Guidance Note - Consent Forms

• Frequently asked questions