IACUC Designated Member Review

Designated Member Review

Designated Member Review (DMR) is another method of reviewing and approving protocols involving the use of animals in research or teaching. The designated member review process is used when no IACUC member requests a full committee review of a protocol. Typically, the IACUC Chair will appoint members who are most familiar with the nature of the protocol to review the request.

Note: Only the IACUC can determine whether a study will be reviewed by the full committee or by designated member review.

Designated Member Review Decisions

For new protocols and three-year renewals, the DMR may make the following determinations:

• Approval
  • All members of the DMR subcommittee must be in agreement.
• Modifications Requested to Secure Approval
  • Modification requests will be sent to the PI.
  • Once the requested changes are received by the IACUC, review will continue.
• Refer to Full Committee Review
  • Any designated reviewer can refer the proposal to the full committee at any time.

For amendments, the DMR will take the following actions:

All amendments will be subject to review in order to determine whether a change is significant or minor. Significant changes can only be approved by FCR or DMR.

Designated Member Review Process & Timeline

Once the committee receives your application, the preliminary review period may take up to two weeks. The total approval time may vary depending on the nature of the proposed project. Since DMR approvals do not require the full committee’s approval, the approval timeline may be shorter.

Approximate Approval Timeline: 1-2 Months