Proposed research studies involving human subjects that do not qualify for Exempt or Expedited review must be reviewed by the IRB at a convened meeting (Full Board review level). Studies requiring Full Board review present more than minimal risk to subjects, and/or involve vulnerable populations, such as children, prisoners, institutionalized individuals, or persons with diminished capacity to consent (e.g., Alzheimer patients).

Full Board studies are reviewed on a first come, first served basis by the IRB. Common examples of research reviewed at the Full Board level at MSM are studies that include:

• Maximal exercise (VO2 Max) by healthy volunteers,
  
• Children as subjects or participants,
  
• Institutionalized persons (e.g., prisoners, patients in long term care facilities)
  
• Persons who lack capacity (e.g., persons with severe mental or physical disabilities), or
  
• Sensitive topics (e.g., criminal behavior, sexuality).