July 7, 2026

For the Record- July 7, 2026: HSD Stops DCT Notices, Expiration Dates for Expedited Research, Single IRB Review Fee

In this Issue:

HSD Stops Courtesy Advance Notifications for DCT Policy

Effective July 1, 2026

Since the announcement of the finalized Diversity in Clinical Trials policy in January 2025, HSD has been sending advance email notifications to the grant principal investigators (PI) of studies likely to be clinical trials subject to this policy based on information in new eGC1 submissions. These courtesy notifications provide information about policy requirements that may necessitate additional financial resources or staff time that PIs may need to plan and budget for. These requirements include:

  • Developing a recruitment strategy for underrepresented groups within the target study population
  • Creating culturally specific recruitment materials
  • Enrolling individuals with a non-English language preference and providing translation and interpreter services
  • Providing an e-consent option for participants
  • Tracking and reporting on enrollment metrics

Now that the Diversity in Clinical Trials policy has been in effect for six months and communication about the policy has been happening for eighteen months, HSD has stopped these individual PI notifications effective July 1, 2026. It is expected that PIs and study teams should be aware of the policy and budget for the necessary time and resources to support compliance.

Please contact hsdinfo@uw.edu with questions.

Expiration Dates for Expedited Research

Reminder

Expedited Research Expiration Dates
As announced in our May and June newsletters, beginning June 1, 2026, all new expedited applications reviewed by the UW IRB have been assigned an expiration date, typically with a three-year approval period. This change supports regular review and accurate tracking of active studies in Zipline.

For Existing Studies Without Expiration Dates – Status Inquiry Process:
Researchers will receive automated Zipline notifications by email 60 and 30 days before potential closure requesting a Continuing Review submission to confirm that the study is still active.

  • Studies may require minor updates (e.g., data security alignment) during continuing review
  • Notifications will be staggered over the next 12–18 months.
  • If no response is received by the deadline in the notice, HSD will presume that the study is inactive and administratively close the study

Questions? Contact hsdinfo@uw.edu.

HSD to Begin Charging Fees for Single IRB Review

Reminder

As announced in our May 5th newsletter, for new initial applications submitted in Zipline on or after July 1st, 2026, HSD will begin charging fees when the UW IRB reviews on behalf of non-UW organizations for non-exempt research.

For the review of each non-UW relying institution, HSD will charge:

Fee type Amount Services included
Initial Review
Charged at the time the non-UW site is first reviewed by HSD		 $1,902.40
  • Negotiating and establishing reliance agreements
  • Reviewing applications and materials
  • Site-specific modifications for the first year
Annual Maintenance
Charged at each yearly anniversary		 $748.05
  • Ongoing site-specific modifications
  • Reliance agreement updates as needed

HSD’s website now has detailed information about exceptions (e.g., Fred Hutch and Seattle Children’s), how to obtain study-specific cost estimates, and the billing process. For questions or to obtain a study-specific cost estimate, contact hsdrely@uw.edu.

2026 NWABR IRB Online Conference Series

Sign Up Now

The Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR) is hosting its 2026 IRB Online Conference Series, featuring expert-led sessions on timely topics in human research protections. Designed for IRB members, HRPP professionals, researchers, and research administrators, the series offers practical guidance on current regulatory and ethical issues while providing opportunities to learn from peers across the research community. Continuing education credits available. The UW is a NWABR member, so all UW faculty and staff receive a 50% discount on registration fees. Learn more and register on the NWABR conference website.