Join the Committee
CPHS is currently recruiting new members to the committee!
Who We Are
The CalHHS Committee for the Protections of Human Subjects (CPHS) serves as the institutional review board (IRB) for CalHHS. The role of the CPHS (and other IRBs) is to ensure that research involving human subjects is conducted ethically and with minimal risk to participants.
CPHS also serves as the approval body for the release of protected information held by state government agencies for research purposes under the Information Practices Act (CA Civ. Code 1798.24). CPHS may also serve as a privacy board for approval of waivers of authorization under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Studies reviewed by CPHS can be extremely varied in subject matter ranging from studies of autism or infectious diseases to pilot programs addressing domestic violence or infant health. CPHS regularly reviews research that involves a vulnerable category of subjects, such as children, prisoners, pregnant women, or handicapped or mentally disabled persons.
Additionally, CPHS reviews research plans for sufficiency of data privacy and security protections. Individuals who are knowledgeable about and experienced in working with these subjects are encouraged to apply.
What Board Membership Entails
Full board meetings are held every two months on the first Friday. All meetings are held in Sacramento, California. Members are expected to attend in person, although a minority may attend remotely.
Members review 15–25 research projects in alignment with criteria specified in relevant federal and state statutes during each two-month renewal/new project cycle. All projects are submitted and reviewed via the online system, IRBManager. With support from the CPHS Admin Staff, members communicate feedback and required project revisions to research teams.
Members may also serve on subcommittees as needed. Further detail on CPHS Member duties and responsibilities can be found in the CPHS Policies and Procedures. If you have questions regarding CPHS member duties, please contact the CPHS Chair, Catherine Hess, at CPHS@chhs.ca.gov.
Compensation
Members are not compensated for their participation, although CalHHS or CalHHS department employees receive release time for their participation. Travel and incidental expenses are reimbursed by CDII for participating in CPHS meetings and other related activities as approved by the Administrator.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a cover letter addressing your education and experience and a copy of your resume or CV to CPHS@chhs.ca.gov. Currently, the committee has two vacancies. If you have any questions, contact the CPHS Administrator, Agnieszka Rykaczewska, at CPHS@chhs.ca.gov.