Which statement best describes an expedited IRB review?

• A. It applies to studies requiring full IRB review
• B. It applies to high-risk research
• C. It prohibits any modifications after approval
• D. It applies to no more than minimal risk and allows minor changes to approved protocols

Answer: (D)

Expedited IRB review is a faster review path used for studies that carry no more than minimal risk and fit specific categories allowed by the rules. It is conducted by the IRB chair or a designated reviewer rather than the full board. Importantly, it can cover minor modifications to an already approved protocol, which can be approved without convening the full IRB. Larger changes or anything above minimal risk still require full board review. So the description that expedited review applies to minimal risk and allows minor changes to approved protocols best captures how this process works.