J2 Westat IRB Approval Letter

Date:

March 28, 2016

To:

Marsha Dunn, Project Director

From:

Sharon Zack

Subject:

Sharon Zack, Primary Reviewer, Westat IRB I am the author of this document
Expedited Approval of HINTS, Project Number 6048.14
FWA 00005551

I reviewed the materials submitted for the following: HINTS, Project Number 6048.14. The
Westat IRB reviews all studies involving research on human subjects. This project is funded by the
National Cancer Institute.
The purpose of HINTS is to assess the ways in which the general population uses communication
channels to obtain information about health and cancer. The survey monitors the use of information
resources while collecting information about respondents’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors
related to health and cancer. There have been multiple previous rounds of HINTS data collection
since 2003.
Westat will conduct the data collection.
IRB regulations permit expedited review of certain activities involving minimal risk [45 CFR pt.
46.110]. This study can be considered minimal risk and is approved under expedited authority. Per
[45 CFR 46.117(c)], a waiver of documentation of informed consent is also approved as the research
presents no more than minimal risk of harm to subjects and involves no procedures for which
written consent is normally required outside of the research context.
As the Project Director, you are responsible for the following:
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cc:

You are required to submit this study for a continuing review before March 28, 2017.
In the interim, notify the IRB Office as soon as possible if there are any injuries to subjects
as well as problems or changes with the study that relate to human subjects.
Institutional Review Board
Alicia Sutherland