Why doesn't my study have an expiration date?

Answer

Although UIUC has historically had expiration dates for all studies, federal regulations do not require expiration for many studies.  The UIUC IRB is updating our policies and processes to be in line with the federal regulations for study expiration.  Whether or not a study has an expiration date is based upon the risk level and at the discretion of the IRB.  Expiration dates indicate that the study must meet the regulatory requirement of continuing review, to report back and seek reapproval from the IRB.  

Unless the IRB determines otherwise, continuing review of a study is not required if the project:

1. is eligible for Expedited Review, or 

2. was given an Exempt determination.

The IRB approval letter will list an expiration date if the study will expire.  In some cases, during the continuing review process of a study that had an expiration date, based upon the ongoing procedures for the study, the continuing review application may be approved without an expiration date.  

However, if a study does not expire, meaning the IRB does not have to reapprove it, the University still needs ongoing information about the status of the study.  This status update is called an Annual HRPP Progress Update.