Face-to-Face (in-person) Human Subjects Research

Effective 8/1/22: The Georgia Southern IRB is replacing the separate COVID safety plan forms for in person research with embedded language in the application and informed consent documents Application forms have been updated to include the current COVID safety requirements within the application itself. Currently approved protocols with a COVID safety plan (Forms, A, B, C, or D) on file may use the updated safety protocol without submitting an amendment to update their procedures. Researchers are still responsible for maintaining appropriate measures to ensure the safety of their participants. This updated safety protocol is a MINIMUM requirement. Researchers must still follow more stringent plans if standard for the research location. Researchers may also follow more stringent safety protocols if they deem it necessary or at the participant’s request .

1. Researchers are responsible for keeping up to date with current COVID safety guidance as provided by the CDC and GDPH and amending the protocol as necessary to maintain current best practice.
2. Researchers must maintain precautions to protect research subjects based upon local research site conditions. These maps and charts lay out the key metrics for understanding the reach and severity of COVID-19 in a given area at the current time: GDPH Georgia Tracking Map by County. Johns Hopkins State, National and International Tracking maps and metrics. Researchers must immediately stop research contact if conditions change, placing participants at higher risk or if a researcher or participant is required to quarantine under GDPH guidelines.
3. Non-Georgia Southern research sites must be consulted about their safety requirements. Studies may not commence until the external entity has also given approval to conduct the activity. GS IRB approval provides minimum protections and does not override local facility, sponsor, institution or state additional requirements. External approval does not override GS IRB decisions.

*Researcher must monitor the website and current site area conditions to assure appropriate measure adequately protect their subjects. Please check your My.GeorgiaSouthern alerts frequently for updated Georgia Southern messages about COVID safety and polices.

Forms and Resources
COVID Precaution Chart	Precautions compiled based upon case based phases.
Informed Consent Sample	Includes required COVID language.
COVID Screener	An base screener to be used by researchers and research participants.
COVID Educational Sheet for Research Participants	An educational resources to share with research participants.
CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidelines	Guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting various surfaces.
CDC Printable Resources	Printable signs and educational materials from the Centers for Disease Control.

Last updated: 8/7/2023