What does the expedited review process allow regarding study procedures?

The expedited review process allows researchers to engage in study procedures that involve no more than minimal risk to participants. This process is designed to streamline the review of research protocols that fall within specific categories that are considered to have lower risk.

Minimal risk means that the probability of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research is not greater than that ordinarily encountered in daily life or during routine physical or psychological tests. By permitting expedited review for such studies, institutional review boards (IRBs) can process and approve research projects more quickly, fostering efficient research progress while still ensuring participant protection.

The other options pertain to research protocols that either involve higher levels of risk, specific populations requiring additional ethical considerations, or all studies regardless of risk, which do not fit within the parameters established for the expedited review process.