U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Logo
HHS URL Link
Skip to Main Content
Grants Policy
Policy & Guidance
Compliance & Oversight
Research Involving Human Subjects
Regulations, Policies & Guidance
Research w/Vulnerable Populations
Research Using Human Specimens, Cell Lines or Data
Human Subjects Protections Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Resources
Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)
Animals in Research
Peer Review Policies & Practices
Intellectual Property Policy
Invention Reporting (iEdison)
 
Global OER Resources
Glossary & Acronyms
Frequently Used Links
Frequent Questions
Frequently Asked Questions From Applicants

Data and Safety Monitoring

Does my research need data and safety monitoring?

45 CFR 46.111(a)(6) states the following requirement for IRB approval of human subjects research:

“When appropriate, the research plan makes adequate provision for monitoring the data collected to ensure the safety of subjects.”

Does my research need a Data and Safety Monitoring Plan?

The NIH Policy for Data and Safety Monitoring states that all NIH funded clinical trials require a Data and Safety Monitoring Plan and that monitoring should be commensurate with risk.

Most NIH Institutes/Centers have individual Data and Safety Monitoring policies. Click here for the links to I/C-specific policies.

Does my research need a Data and Safety Monitoring Board?

  • Data and Safety Monitoring Boards (DSMBs) are specifically required for multi-site clinical trials with interventions that entail risk(s) to participants
  • DSMBs are generally required for Phase III clinical trials
  • A DSMB may be required for Phase I, Phase II or Phase III clinical trials if:
    • The clinical trial is blinded
    • The clinical trial involves high risk intervention(s), or
    • The clinical trial includes vulnerable population(s)

Home | Contact Us | Site Map | Search | Help Downloading Files
Disclaimer | Privacy Notice | Accessibility | FOIA | Print Version


Top of Page               

Page Last Reviewed: October 26, 2005
Content Manager: OEP-HS@mail.nih.gov
Technical Issues:   E-mail OER Webmaster

National Institutes of Health - Home Page    Department of Health and Human Services - Home Page    USA.gov - Government Made Easy    Grants.gov - Home Page