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MUSC, VA steadfast in protecting research study participants
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South Carolinians who have struggled with whether to participate in a
research study now have added evidence that MUSC and the Ralph H.
Johnson VA Medical Center (VAMC) offer the utmost in human safety and
welfare.
MUSC and Ralph H. Johnson VAMC were awarded full accreditation by the
Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection
Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP). Accreditation is available to organizations
worldwide that conduct biomedical, behavioral or social sciences
research involving humans. While accreditation is not mandatory, MUSC
and VA research administrators and faculty have always and continue to
pursue extra steps to ensure patient safety throughout research studies.
“This accreditation is the gold standard seal of approval for
organizations involved in clinical trials and human research. It
ensures that the highest standards and protections extend to
participants in all research studies within MUSC and the VA’s purview,“
said Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., MUSC president. “The infrastructure
that was put in place to obtain this designation will also make it
easier for people to access research studies that would benefit the
entire community.”
Those who participate in a research study at MUSC or the Ralph H.
Johnson VAMC can trust that the AAHRPP accreditation requires quality
enhancement and regulatory monitoring that improves efficiency,
effectiveness, and record-keeping.
“This process required a diverse group of individuals from across MUSC
and the VA to come together, conduct a detailed review and enhance
various components of our clinical and translational research programs.
Our goal was to make sure we are providing the highest level of
protection and care that our research study participants deserve,” said
Rita Young, Ph.D., Ralph H. Johnson VAMC associate chief of staff for
research and development. “Receiving this accreditation validates the
VA’s and the university’s commitment to all aspects of human research
participant safety and welfare.”
MUSC and the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC join a select group of 194
institutions, including Emory University, Duke University, the
University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of California
at San Francisco.
“The accreditation of our Human Research Protection Program by AAHRPP
is a signature achievement that represents our commitment to the
highest standards in all aspects of our mission,” said Stephen M.
Lanier, Ph.D., MUSC associate provost for research.
Friday, Sept. 25, 2009
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