Reliance

A reliance agreement is necessary whenever a member of another institution with an IRB will be conducting research in conjunction with SoCal BSP or with members formally conducting research on behalf of SoCal BSP. In this circumstance, both boards are required to approve the research, and one institution (the Institute of Record) will be responsible for maintaining Continuing Review and will be the general primary oversight body. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will outline the separation of responsibilities and jurisdictions between the institutes. There may be a sharing of the responsibility of Institute of Record for different sites and protocols if needed.

The Southern California Brainspotting Institute at this time handles reliance requests on a case-by-case basis. To request a reliance agreement and MOU, please submit a cover letter to IRB@SoCalBrainspotting.org and any proposed MOU or documents relevant to the request. A confirmation of receipt will be sent within ten business days and outlining next steps.

In the cover letter, please provide contact information for both the Principal Investigator and liaison at the requesting institution, in addition to an overview of the study including research aims, modalities/protocols, site location, proposed staff and budget projections. Proposed studies in reliance agreements will reviewed according to the protocols outlined in the Resources and Training page.

Any SoCal BSP members conducting research as a part of another institution without a reliance agreement with SoCal BSP are participating solely in their capacity as a member of the other institution and not as an SoCal BSP member. 

Record requests

Investigators conducting archival research do not need to submit a reliance request if they are only asking for data and information from SoCal BSP studies.

Records requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. Investigators seeking SoCal BSP records are asked to submit a written request to IRB@SoCalBrainspotting.org outlining the specific information requested, a copy of the PI’s contact information, credentials and IRB approval, an overview of the proposed study and the oversight institution and any other information pertinent to the request. Please allow ten business days for a confirmation of receipt.

Requests for SoCal BSP records may need to be authorized by the IRB. In the event that the requestor is asked to be present, they will be notified within five business days (meetings are held by teleconference). All decisions of the IRB will be delivered within three business days of the meeting.