MaineHealth’s Institutional Review Board is a standing committee responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of people who are subjects in research activities. MaineHealth‘s Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) and policies sets forth the IRB’s basic operational procedures.
In accordance with federal regulations 45 CFR 46 and 21 CFR 50 and 56, the IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications to, disapprove, terminate or suspend research at participating organizations. The purpose of the IRB is to assure, both in advance and by periodic review that appropriate steps are taken to protect the rights and welfare of humans participating as subjects in research.
Institutional Review Board Fee Schedule
Institutional Review Board Meeting Dates
All research projects involving human subjects, regardless of the source of funding, require review and approval by an IRB prior to implementation.
To Get Started
If you have a question or need assistance with a research project, we are happy to help. We are available for a phone call or an in-person meeting. Please send an email to hrppIRB@mainehealth.org to make your request.
If you are a new Investigator or have not completed a Financial Interest Disclosure in the last 12 months, please click the button or scan the QR code (right) to access the form.
New Investigators
MaineHealth’s Research Compliance Office (MH RCO) is actively engaged in the transition to the new IRB management system, hIRB (pronounced “Herby”). See updates below:
➡️Transition to new IRB working system hIRB
- As of September 22, 2025, MH RCO is only accepting emergency submissions.
- Non-emergency submissions received after September 19 will be administratively withdrawn from IRBNet.
- Emergency submissions affecting patient treatment—including those outside 21 CFR 56.102 or 104—will continue to be reviewed in IRBNet through Monday, October 6, 2025.
- For submissions not covered under 21 CFR but still affecting patient care, please contact hrppIRB@mainehealth.org before submitting.
➡️Transition out of IRBnet and working with WCG
- WCG IRB Submissions Now via Connexus
- IRBNet is no longer used for direct submissions to WCG IRB. All future submissions must be made through Connexus.
- For questions or support, contact MaineHealth’s WCG representative: Glori Schmeckpeper
➡️ RCO Huron Training Schedule
MH RCO will offer 30-minute Huron training sessions: Oct 21 – Dec 18, 2025
- Tuesdays 9a – 11a & 1p – 3p
- Thursdays 11a – 1p & 3p – 5p
- Trainings will continue in January and run until May 1, 2026.
Questions? hrppIRB@mainehealth.org
Institutional Review Board
1 Riverfront Plaza
Westbrook, Maine 04092
207.661.4474
hrppIRB@mainehealth.org
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