To qualify for Exempt level review, the research study must fall into any of six (6) categories delineated in the federal regulations. Exempt DOES NOT mean the study is exempt from IRB review. The categories represent studies that present minimal risk to subjects. Risk is reduced through anonymity of responses, use of data from human subjects that is existing or publicly available, or through the use of non-invasive paradigms that will not harm subjects.

Exempt reviews are conducted by one IRB member. Common examples of Exempt research at MSM are

• Anonymous surveys,
  
• Educational tests,
  
• Studies using human subjects data or information that is publicly available (such as that from a data repository or purchasable data set), or
  
• Observation of public behavior that does not put subjects at risk.
  

Special guidelines apply to children included in research classified as Exempt. Please contact the IRB Office for more information.