Approval of a human participant research proposal is in effect for one year. (However, if research involves serious risk to participants, the IRB may review it more frequently or alternatively ask to be kept apprised of all research activity.) In the event that the study will continue longer than the initial approval period, the principal investigator is responsible for requesting an extension. 

IRBNet sends out courtesy project expiration reminders to the Principal Investigator (PI) before a study expires. However, it is ultimately the PI's responsibility to keep track of when the continuing review is due.  It is recommended to to submit a continuing review request at least 2 weeks in advance for expedited applications and 4-6 weeks in advance for full board applications.

How do I know if I need an extension? You are still actively collecting data, recruiting, analyzing identifiable data, providing informed consent, etc.  If your data is collected and you are no longer analyzing identifiable data, you may submit a final report. 

To request an extension, please follow the steps outlined below. 

Step 1: Select Your Active Project

Log into IRBNet.org and select the project title of the project you would like an extension for. Extensions cannot be granted for expired projects.

Step 2: Select, "Create a New Package"

Step 3: Download the Continuing Review Form 

You will know you created a package successfully if the ID# does not end in -1. As you can see in the example below, a new package was created, so now the ID# ends in -2 which indicates it is the second package in the overall project. Every request for an extension will require a continuing review form.  This form can be found by going to the Designer Section of IRBNet and going to the drop down menu "Form Libraries" and selecting "Continuing Review Form" and then "Download". 

Step 4: Attach Your Completed Continuing Review form 

You will complete the Continuing Review Form and select, "Attach New Document" and select the "Document Type as "Continuing Review/Progress Report" from the drop down menu.

Step 5: Sign the Package 

Once you have attached all the items in the “Designer” section of IRBNet, you will need to select, “Sign this package”.  It will ask you to provide your username and password to verify your digital signature.  The PI will be required to sign the Continuing Review package.

Step 6: Submit the Package

Once you have signed, you will select “Submit this Package” on the blue menu on the left. It will automatically select the UWF IRB and you will then click, “Continue”.  It will then ask you to verify that all who are required to sign have signed the package.  For the submission type, you will select, “Continuing Review/Progress Report” from the drop-down menu, add any comments, and select, “Submit”.