Research eligible for the review category of expedited

In general, research may qualify for expedited review if it is judged to involve no more than minimal risk, does not include intentional deception, does not employ sensitive populations or topics, and includes appropriate informed consent procedures. The greater the probability of harm or discomfort, the greater the responsibility of the researcher to provide safeguards for the protection of subjects' safety and well-being. The list of categories of research that may be reviewed under the expedited procedure is published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Human Research Protections and can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/expedited98.htm. Under the expedited review procedure, the review may be carried out by the IRB Chairperson or by one or more experienced reviewers designated by the chairperson from among members of the IRB. [45CFR46.110, http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm#46.110]

Note: Although the word "expedited" may imply faster turn-around than a full-board approval, "expedited" actually means that fewer reviewers are involved in the careful evaluation of the proposal.