The Code of Virginia § 51.5-132 directs the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services' (DARS) Human Research Review Committee (HRRC) to submit to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the DARS Commissioner, at least annually, a report on the human research projects reviewed and approved by the HRRC, including any significant deviations from the research applications as approved by the Committee. The HRRC has internal oversight responsibilities for ensuring protection of the rights and welfare of DARS clients and employees who volunteer to participate in research conducted or authorized by DARS. The DARS Commissioner established the HRRC in August, 2000 to review and approve research to be conducted or authorized by DARS, the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC), and Centers for Independent Living and Employment Services Organizations that have a vendor relationship with DARS.

The HRRC also complies with federal requirements for the Protection of Human Subjects (45 CFR 46). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approved the HRRC Federal wide Assurance (FWA#00008936) beginning August 15, 2005. The FWA is currently effective through March 23, 2023.

The HRRC conducts three types of reviews: Exempt Review (regulatory oversight not required), Expedited Review (application reviewed and approved by one or more HRRC members) and Full Committee Review (a quorum of members in attendance). There were no (0) new applications reviewed during the State Fiscal Year 2018. The HRRC conducted six continuing/amended reviews to previously approved studies, and received one study closure.

To the best of the Committee's knowledge, all research involving human volunteers conducted or authorized by DARS or the WWRC during SFY 2018 was reviewed by the HRRC. The HRRC has no evidence suggesting that there were any significant deviations from study procedures as approved by the HRRC for the studies that were reviewed and approved by the DARS HRRC during SFY 2018.

Composition of the HRRC is governed by 22VAC30-40-60 and 45 CFR 46.107. As of June 30, 2018, the HRRC had seven members and one alternate.

This document is the HRRC's eighteenth Annual Report. I wish to express my appreciation to the members of the HRRC for their commitment to supporting this important endeavor.

Kathryn A. Hayfield
Commissioner