PRIM&R Flash Learn
Funding IRB Oversight: Building Compliant Fee Structures
January 13, 2026 | 1:00 - 1:30 PM ET
Overview
While neither the Common Rule nor FDA regulations prescribe IRB fees, both establish extensive oversight requirements that need ongoing institutional support. Fee schedules serve as a compliant mechanism to recover the costs of fulfilling these federally mandated review and monitoring activities, provided they are applied transparently and without creating conflicts of interest. This Flash Learn will explore how IRB fees must be applied transparently and without creating undue influence, while also supporting cooperative and single IRB responsibilities.
Presenters will discuss methods for developing, managing, and monitoring fee schedules while avoiding pitfalls that may arise from inconsistent billing or lack of documentation. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of their current fee schedules for hands-on group discussions. Join Marcella Cooks, MS, IRB Reliance Manager, Northwestern University and Rafael Santos, MBE, CIP, HRPP Assistant Director Reliance & Regulatory Support, The Pennsylvania State University for a 30-minute discussion with examples of fee schedules useful for your career.
Presenters will discuss methods for developing, managing, and monitoring fee schedules while avoiding pitfalls that may arise from inconsistent billing or lack of documentation. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of their current fee schedules for hands-on group discussions. Join Marcella Cooks, MS, IRB Reliance Manager, Northwestern University and Rafael Santos, MBE, CIP, HRPP Assistant Director Reliance & Regulatory Support, The Pennsylvania State University for a 30-minute discussion with examples of fee schedules useful for your career.
What Will I Learn?
- Illustrate how aligning IRB fee structures with Common Rule and FDA requirements promotes compliant, transparent, and sustainable review operations.
- Apply best practices in creating and updating IRB fee structures to ensure operational efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness to evolving regulatory and institutional needs.
- Develop strategies for engaging institutional leadership and sponsors to support compliant billing and documentation practices.
CIP® Credit
Participants holding the Certified IRB Professional (CIP®) credential may apply 0.5 continuing education credits towards CIP recertification. Please refer to the CIP® recertification guidelines for additional information.
CE Credit
Participants will receive a certificate of attendance that documents up to 0.5 continuing education credit hour for their attendance at this webinar. Certificates of attendance are useful for obtaining CE credits from professional associations. Each association's guidelines for accepting CE credit hours (in-person or virtual) may differ. Please consult the appropriate association representative for information on if, and how many, CE credits from this PRIM&R webinar may be used.
Cost
Members: $45
Nonmembers: $95