TITLE 25.HEALTH SERVICES

Part 2. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL RETARDATION

Chapter 414. PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS AND CONSUMER RIGHTS

Subchapter P. RESEARCH IN TDMHMR FACILITIES

25 TAC §§414.751 - 414.764

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR) proposes the repeal of §§414.751 - 414.764 of Chapter 414, Subchapter P, concerning research in TDMHMR facilities. New §§414.751 - 414.765 of Chapter 414, Subchapter P, concerning the same, which would replace the repealed rules, are contemporaneously proposed in this issue of the Texas Register .

The repeals would allow for the adoption of new rules governing the same matters.

Cindy Brown, Chief Financial Officer, has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed repeal is in effect, there will not be foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of the state or local governments.

Marcia Toprac, Ph.D., Director, Research and Academic Collaboration, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the proposed repeal is in effect, the public benefit expected is the adoption of new and more updated rules governing the same matters. It is not anticipated that there will be any additional economic cost to persons required to comply with the repeal.

It is not anticipated that the proposed repeal will affect a local economy.

It is not anticipated that the proposed repeal will have an adverse effect on small businesses or micro-businesses because the proposed repeal does not place requirements on small businesses or micro-businesses.

Written comments on the proposed repeal may be sent to Linda Logan, Director, Policy Development, Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, P.O. Box 12668, Austin, Texas 78711-2668, within 30 days of publication.

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §532.015, which provides the Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board (board) with broad rulemaking authority, and §576.021, which states that a patient receiving mental health services under Subtitle C has the right to refuse to participate in a research program.

The proposed repeal would affect the Texas Health and Safety Code, §532.015 and §576.021.

§414.751.Purpose.

§414.752.Application.

§414.753.Definitions.

§414.754.General Principles.

§414.755.Designated Institutional Review Board (IRB).

§414.756.IRB Functions and Operations.

§414.757.Review and Approval of Proposed Research.

§414.758.Informed Consent.

§414.759.Human Subject Selection.

§414.760.Investigation of Allegations of Misconduct in Science.

§414.761.Responsibilities of the Office of Research Administration (ORA).

§414.762.Exhibits.

§414.763.References.

§414.764.Distribution.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on December 18, 2003.

TRD-200308645

Rodolfo Arredondo

Chairman, Texas MHMR Board

Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 1, 2004

For further information, please call: (512) 206-4516


25 TAC §§414.751 - 414.765

The Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR) proposes new §§414.751 - 414.765 of Chapter 414, Subchapter P, concerning research in TDMHMR facilities. The repeals of existing §§414.751 - 414.764 of Chapter 414, Subchapter P, concerning the same, which the new rules would replace, are contemporaneously proposed in this issue of the Texas Register .

The proposed new rules would establish uniform guidelines for the review, approval, conduct, and oversight of research in TDMHMR facilities. The rules describe TDMHMR's general principles for research in its facilities; describe four options under which a facility may choose an institutional review board (IRB) as its designated IRB; describe the functions and operations of a designated IRB, including the responsibilities and requirements for reviewing, approving, and monitoring research; and describe the requirements for procedures for obtaining informed consent from prospective human subjects. The proposed new rules would also adopt by reference Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects), Subparts A, B, and D, to ensure the protection of human subjects involved in research; "The Belmont Report: Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research, Report of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research" (April 18, 1979), to ensure ethical principles are maintained when research involving human subjects is conducted; and 42 CFR Part 50, Subpart A, (Responsibility of PHS Awardee and Applicant Institutions for Dealing With and Reporting Possible Misconduct in Science), to ensure all research undertaken at TDMHMR facilities is conducted with a fundamental commitment to high ethical standards regarding the conduct of scientific research.

The key difference between the proposed new rules and the rules proposed for repeal is that the new rules incorporate requirements related to privacy of health information by adopting by reference the Federal Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information, 45 CFR Part 160 and Part 164, Subparts A and E, which are promulgated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Additionally, the proposed new rules do not adopt by reference 45 CFR Part 46, Subpart C (Additional DHHS Protections Pertaining to Biomedical and Behavioral Research Involving Prisoners as Subjects), yet they contain all the subpart's requirements that are applicable to a TDMHMR facility.

Cindy Brown, Chief Financial Officer, has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed new rules are in effect, there will not be foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local government.

Marcia Toprac, Ph.D., Director, Research and Academic Collaboration, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the proposed new rules are in effect, the public benefit expected is the promulgation of rules that provide for the protection and confidentiality of human subjects involved in research at TDMHMR facilities. It is not anticipated that there will be any additional economic cost to persons required to comply with the new rules because the rules do not impose any more requirements on such persons than those contained in the rules proposed for repeal or those required by existing federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

It is not anticipated that the new rules will affect a local economy.

It is not anticipated that the proposed new rules will have an adverse effect on small businesses or micro-businesses because the rules do not place requirements on small or micro-businesses.

Written comments on the proposed new rules may be sent to Linda Logan, Director, Policy Development, Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, P.O. Box 12668, Austin, Texas 78711-2668, within 30 days of publication.

The new rules are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §532.015, which provides the Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board (board) with broad rulemaking authority, and §576.021, which states that a patient receiving mental health services under Subtitle C has the right to refuse to participate in a research program.

The proposed new rules would affect the Texas Health and Safety Code, §532.015 and §576.021.

§414.751.Purpose.

The purpose of this subchapter is to establish uniform guidelines for the review, approval, conduct, and oversight of research in facilities that:

(1) ensure the protection of the rights, privacy, and welfare of human subjects involved in research;

(2) provide for the creation and utilization of a designated Institutional Review Board (IRB) for each facility electing to be involved in the conduct of research;

(3) provide for the investigation of allegations of misconduct in science related to research conducted at a facility; and

(4) conform with the requirements of Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects), Subparts A, B, and D.

§414.752.Application.

This subchapter applies to all research involving:

(1) individuals receiving services from a facility; or

(2) facility resources (e.g., employees, property, and non-public information).

§414.753.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) Assent--Affirmative agreement of a prospective human subject to participate in research, which is obtained when the subject does not have capacity or legal authority to consent.

(2) Authorization--The written permission given by an individual who is participating in a research study or the individual's LAR to use or disclose certain protected health information related to the research study.

(3) Central Office--TDMHMR's administrative offices in Austin.

(4) Designated institutional review board (IRB)--The IRB, chosen by the facility and approved by the Office of Research Administration in accordance with this subchapter, that will review, approve, and monitor all research to be conducted at the facility.

(5) Facility--A state mental health facility, a state mental retardation facility, or Central Office.

(6) Human subject--Consistent with 45 CFR §46.102(f), referenced as Exhibit A in §414.763 of this title (relating to Exhibits), a living individual about whom a key researcher conducting research obtains:

(A) data through intervention or interaction with the individual; or

(B) identifiable private information.

(7) Individual--A person who has received or is receiving mental health or mental retardation services from a facility.

(8) Informed consent--The knowing approval of an individual or an individual's legally authorized representative (LAR) to participate in a research study, given under the individual's or LAR's ability to exercise free power of choice without undue inducement or any element of force, fraud, deceit, duress, or other form of constraint or coercion.

(9) Institutional review board (IRB)--A board whose membership meets the requirements of §414.755(d) of this title (relating to Designated Institutional Review Board (IRB)), and whose purpose is to review and approve proposed research as well as oversee the conduct of approved research.

(10) Investigation (of misconduct in science)--The formal examination and evaluation of all relevant facts to determine if misconduct in science has occurred.

(11) Investigational medication or device--Any drug, biological product, or medical device under investigation for human use that is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the indication being studied.

(12) Key researcher--A principal investigator, a co-investigator, or a person who has direct and ongoing contact with human subjects participating in a research study or with prospective human subjects.

(13) Legally authorized representative (LAR)--A person or entity authorized under applicable law to consent on behalf of a prospective human subject to the subject's participation in a research study and to authorize the use or disclosure of protected health information.

(14) Limited data set--Protected health information that excludes the following direct identifiers of an individual or of relatives, employers, or household members of an individual:

(A) names;

(B) postal address information, other than town or city, state, and zip code;

(C) telephone numbers;

(D) fax numbers;

(E) electronic mail addresses;

(F) social security numbers;

(G) medical record numbers;

(H) health plan beneficiary numbers;

(I) account numbers;

(J) certificate/license numbers;

(K) vehicle identifiers and serial numbers;

(L) device identifiers and serial numbers;

(M) Web Universal Resource Locators (URLs);

(N) Internet Protocol (IP) address numbers;

(O) biometric identifiers, including finger and voice prints; and

(P) full face photographic images and comparable images.

(15) Mental health priority population--Persons with mental illness, including severe emotional disturbance, identified in TDMHMR's current strategic plan as being most in need of mental health services.

(16) Mental retardation priority population--Persons with mental retardation identified in TDMHMR's current strategic plan as being most in need of mental retardation services.

(17) Minimal risk--The probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not greater in and of themselves than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine psychical or psychological examination or tests.

(18) Misconduct in science--The fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or other practices that seriously deviate from those that are commonly accepted within the scientific community for proposing, conducting, or reporting research. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data.

(19) Notice of Privacy Practices--A written notice describing:

(A) the uses and disclosures of protected health information that may be made by a facility; and

(B) individuals' rights and the facility's legal duties with respect to protected health information.

(20) Office of Research Administration (ORA)--The Central Office department that is responsible for the duties described in §414.762 of this title (relating to Responsibilities of the Office of Research Administration (ORA)).

(21) Principal investigator--The person identified as responsible for conducting a research study.

(22) Privacy coordinator--A member of the workforce of a facility who is responsible for working with the TDMHMR Central Office Privacy Official in developing and implementing the facility's policies and procedures relating to state and federal medical privacy laws.

(23) Protected health information (PHI)--

(A) Any information that identifies or could be used to identify an individual, whether oral or recorded in any form, that relates to:

(i) the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of the individual;

(ii) the provision of health care to the individual; or

(iii) the payment for the provision of health care to the individual.

(B) The term includes, but is not limited to:

(i) an individual's name, address, date of birth, or Social Security number;

(ii) an individual's medical record or case number;

(iii) a photograph or recording of an individual;

(iv) statements made by an individual, either orally or in writing, while seeking or receiving services from or through a facility;

(v) any acknowledgment that an individual is seeking or receiving or has sought or received services from or through a facility;

(vi) direct identifiers of relatives, employers, or household members of the individual; and

(vii) any information by which the identity of an individual can be determined either directly or by reference to other publicly available information.

(C) The term does not include:

(i) health information that has been de-identified in accordance with 45 CFR §164.514(b); and

(ii) employment records held by a facility as an employer.

(24) Research--A systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Activities that meet this definition constitute research for purposes of this subchapter whether or not they are conducted or supported under a program which is considered research for other purposes. For example, certain demonstration and service programs may include research activities.

(25) Rights officer--An employee appointed by a facility CEO to protect and advocate for the rights of persons receiving services from the facility.

(26) State mental health facility--A state hospital or a state center with an inpatient component that is operated by TDMHMR.

(27) State mental retardation facility--A state school or a state center with a mental retardation residential component that is operated by TDMHMR.

(28) TDMHMR--The Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.

§414.754.General Principles.

(a) Participation in research that can advance scientific knowledge of mental disorders and conditions is integral to the mission of TDMHMR.

(b) TDMHMR's guiding principle for all research involving human subjects at its facilities is the protection of the personal rights, safety, well-being, privacy, and dignity of the subjects.

(1) To ensure the protection of human subjects involved in research at its facilities, TDMHMR promulgates this subchapter and adopts by reference Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects), Subparts A, B, and D, referenced as Exhibit A in §414.763 of this title (relating to Exhibits).

(2) To ensure ethical principles are maintained when research involving human subjects is conducted at its facilities, TDMHMR adopts by reference "The Belmont Report: Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research, Report of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research" (April 18, 1979), referenced as Exhibit B in §414.763 of this title (relating to Exhibits).

(3) To ensure all research undertaken at its facilities is conducted with a fundamental commitment to high ethical standards regarding the conduct of scientific research, TDMHMR adopts by reference 42 CFR Part 50, Subpart A, (Responsibility of PHS Awardee and Applicant Institutions for Dealing With and Reporting Possible Misconduct in Science), referenced as Exhibit C in §414.763 of this title (relating to Exhibits).

(4) To protect the privacy of human subjects involved in research at its facilities, TDMHMR adopts by reference the Federal Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information, Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 160 and Part 164, Subparts A and E, promulgated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

(c) TDMHMR is committed to research conducted in a manner that is consistent with the best interests and protection of personal rights and welfare of human subjects involved in the research.

(1) An individual may not be approached to participate in a research study if the research conflicts with the individual's treatment goals.

(2) No research involving human subjects may be conducted unless the risks to human subjects are minimized and are reasonable in relation to the anticipated benefits.

(3) No undue inducement or coercion may be used to influence human subjects to participate in a research study.

(4) Unless scientifically justified, individuals may not be excluded from participating in research on the basis of personal characteristics, such as race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

(5) Human subject participation in research studies must be equitable with measures taken to ensure the research sample is adequately representative of the population of interest. Within the population of interest subject selection procedures must offer equitable opportunity for access to participation in research and access to potential benefits of participation.

(6) Individuals receiving mental health services under an order of protective custody pursuant to the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 574, may not be approached about participation in a research study involving an investigational medication or device prior to the entry of an order for temporary or extended mental health services.

(7) Research may not be conducted with human subjects who are involuntarily committed if the research involves:

(A) placebos as the primary medication therapy;

(B) medication or doses of medication as the primary medication therapy which are known to be ineffective for the targeted disorder or condition; or

(C) an investigational medication or device that is proposed to be undertaken when previous research on the medication or device with 100 human subjects or fewer has provided minimal or no documentation of the efficacy and safety of the medication or device for the population with the targeted disorder or condition.

(8) Research may not be conducted at a facility if the protocol:

(A) extends the use of a placebo or washout period unreasonably;

(B) deprives the human subject of reasonable relief; or

(C) extends a human subject's use of placebos as the primary medication therapy after the subject is discharged from the facility.

(9) Unless otherwise provided for in this subchapter, research involving human subjects may not be conducted at a facility unless:

(A) the research has been reviewed and approved by the facility's designated IRB in accordance with §414.757 of this title (relating to Review and Approval of Proposed Research);

(B) the facility CEO has agreed to have the research conducted at the facility; and

(C) if required, the necessary assurance and certification has been submitted to the appropriate federal agency, (e.g., Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration) and the agency has indicated its approval.

(10) Research conducted at a facility may not hinder the facility's ability to accomplish its primary purpose.

(d) Right to file a complaint.

(1) A human subject involved in research or his/her LAR is entitled to file a complaint about alleged mistreatment or other concerns relating to the research with the facility's rights officer or with any other applicable complaint mechanism in place.

(2) An individual or his/her LAR is entitled to file a complaint about violations of the Federal Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (45 CFR Part 160 and Part 164, Subparts A and E) with the facility's privacy coordinator, the TDMHMR Consumer Services and Rights Protection/Ombudsman Office, or the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as set forth in the Notice of Privacy Practices.

§414.755.Designated Institutional Review Board (IRB).

(a) Each facility electing to participate in research must have a designated IRB. The designated IRB is responsible for reviewing, approving, and monitoring all research conducted at that facility, with the exception of research involving multiple facilities as provided by subsection (c) of this section.

(b) A facility may choose one of the following options for its designated IRB, which must be approved by the ORA as outlined in subsection (f) of this section.

(1) Facility IRB. An IRB, established and operated by a facility, whose membership meets the requirements described in subsection (d) of this section.

(2) Another facility's IRB. A facility IRB as described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(3) University IRB. An IRB, established and operated by a university, whose membership meets the requirements described in subsection (d) of this section.

(4) Central Office IRB. An IRB, established and operated by Central Office, whose membership meets the requirements described in subsection (d) of this section.

(c) A facility's CEO may request that the Central Office IRB act as the facility's designated IRB for a research study that involves multiple facilities.

(d) The membership of the IRB must comply with the requirements in 45 CFR §46.107, referenced as Exhibit A in §414.763 of this title (relating to Exhibits) and this subsection.

(1) Facility IRB. Membership of a facility IRB must include at least three members who are familiar with the mental disorders or conditions and concerns of the population(s) served by the facility or facilities.

(A) At least one of the three members described in this paragraph must be a professional in the field of mental health or mental retardation, as appropriate to the facility or facilities.

(B) At least two of the three members described in this paragraph must be:

(i) a person who is or has been in the mental health priority population or mental retardation priority population, as appropriate to the facility or facilities;

(ii) a family member of a person who is or has been in the mental health priority population or mental retardation priority population, as appropriate to the facility or facilities; or

(iii) an advocate for persons who are or have been in the mental health priority population or mental retardation priority population, as appropriate to the facility or facilities.

(2) University IRB. Membership of a university IRB must include at least three members or ad hoc members who are familiar with the mental disorders or conditions and concerns of the population(s) served by the facility or facilities.

(A) At least one of the three members described in this paragraph must be a professional in the field of mental health or mental retardation, as appropriate to the facility or facilities.

(B) At least two of the three members described in this paragraph must be:

(i) a person who is or has been in the mental health priority population or mental retardation priority population, as appropriate to the facility or facilities;

(ii) a family member of a person who is or has been in the mental health priority population or mental retardation priority population, as appropriate to the facility or facilities; or

(iii) an advocate for persons who are or have been in the mental health priority population or mental retardation priority population, as appropriate to the facility or facilities.

(3) Central Office IRB. Membership of the Central Office IRB must include local representation from various regions of the state and at least three members who are familiar with the mental disorders or conditions and concerns of the population(s) served by TDMHMR.

(A) At least one of the three members described in this paragraph must be a professional in the field of mental health and mental retardation.

(B) At least two of the three members described in this paragraph must be:

(i) a person who is or has been in the mental health priority population, a family member of a person who is or has been in the mental health priority population, or an advocate for persons who are or have been in the mental health priority population; and

(ii) a person who is or has been in the mental retardation priority population, a family member of a person who is or has been in the mental retardation priority population, or an advocate for persons who are or have been in the mental retardation priority population.

(e) Each IRB must have written policies and procedures that are consistent with this subchapter and TDMHMR's rules governing the care and protection of individuals as described in §414.764(5) of this title (relating to References) and that address:

(1) the functions and operations of the IRB as required by 45 CFR §46.103(b)(4) and (b)(5);

(2) the review or screening process to determine whether proposed research is exempt from the requirements of federal regulations made in accordance with 45 CFR §46.101(b), including required documentation, and any necessary approvals;

(3) the process for ensuring that each IRB member and key researcher involved in an approved research study receives documented training in applicable ethics, laws, and regulations governing research involving human subjects; and

(4) the process for disclosing and considering potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, by IRB members and key researchers.

(f) ORA approval of a designated IRB.

(1) A facility seeking approval for its own facility IRB, another facility's IRB, or a university IRB as its designated IRB, as described in subsection (b)(1), (2), or (3) of this section, must submit the following to the ORA:

(A) IRB membership information in sufficient detail to determine compliance with subsection (d) of this section and which describes each member's chief anticipated contribution to IRB deliberations, and any employment or other relationship between each member and the facility, university, or Central Office, as appropriate;

(B) the written policies and procedures described in subsection (e) of this section;

(C) the written policy for the communication of IRB deliberations, recommendations, and decisions to the facility CEO and the ORA; and

(D) if approval is for a university IRB or another facility's IRB, a copy of the written agreement in which the university IRB or other facility IRB accepts responsibility for reviewing, approving, and monitoring all research to be conducted at the facility seeking approval; and

(E) if approval is for a university IRB, a detailed description of how the facility will collaborate with the university IRB to ensure compliance with any requirement in this subchapter that is unique to TDMHMR (i.e., the duties, activities, and responsibilities of both the facility and the university IRB).

(2) A facility seeking approval for the Central Office IRB as its designated IRB, as described in subsection (b)(4) of this section, must submit a written request from the facility CEO to the ORA.

(g) The ORA shall review the information submitted by the facility and will approve, disapprove, or enter into negotiations to attain approval for the IRB as the facility's designated IRB. The ORA will provide written notice of approval or disapproval to the requesting facility.

(h) Any change in a designated IRB's membership, policies, or procedures must be reported to and approved by the ORA.

(i) The ORA may require that a designated IRB comply with additional requirements related to documentation and approval if the ORA determines that such requirements are necessary to ensure the protection of human subjects.

(j) The ORA may revoke approval of a designated IRB at any time the ORA determines the IRB fails to maintain standards in accordance with federal regulations and this subchapter.

§414.756.IRB Functions and Operations.

(a) Each designated IRB shall:

(1) follow its written policies and procedures as described in §414.755(e) of this title (relating to Designated Institutional Review Board (IRB));

(2) function in accordance with 45 CFR §46.108, referenced as Exhibit A in §414.763 of this title (relating to Exhibits);

(3) ensure proposed research is reviewed and approved in accordance with §414.757 of this title (relating to Review and Approval of Proposed Research);

(4) except when an expedited review is used as described in 45 CFR §46.108(b), ensure proposed research is reviewed and approved only at meetings in which at least one of each of the following members are present, participating, and voting:

(A) a member who satisfies the requirements of §414.755(d)(1)(A), (2)(A), or (3)(A) of this title (relating to Designated Institutional Review Board (IRB)), as appropriate to the IRB; and

(B) a member who satisfies the requirements of §414.755(d)(1)(B), (2)(B), or (3)(B) of this title (relating to Designated Institutional Review Board (IRB)), as appropriate to the IRB, and in the case of the Central Office IRB, as appropriate to the facility or facilities for which the research is proposed.

(5) exercise appropriate oversight to ensure that:

(A) its policies and procedures designed for protecting the rights, privacy, and welfare of human subjects are being effectively applied; and

(B) research is being conducted at the facility or facilities in accordance with the approved protocol;

(6) maintain records of its operations in accordance with 45 CFR §46.115;

(7) submit to the ORA documentation of its continuing review of all approved and active research protocols; and

(8) immediately notify the ORA of any unanticipated serious problems or events involving risks to the human subjects or others.

(b) Each designated IRB has the authority to suspend or terminate research that is not being conducted in accordance with the IRB's requirements or that has been associated with significant unexpected harm to human subjects. If an IRB suspends or terminates research, then the IRB must promptly notify the following in writing of the suspension or termination and include a statement of the reasons for the IRB's action:

(1) the principal investigator;

(2) appropriate facility or facilities officials; and

(3) the ORA.

§414.757.Review and Approval of Proposed Research.

(a) Proposed research must be submitted to the facility's designated IRB and contain adequate written information for the IRB to determine whether the requirements described in 45 CFR §46.111, referenced as Exhibit A in §414.763 of this title (relating to Exhibits), are satisfied, including the following:

(1) A complete description of how the research protocol will be implemented at the facility or facilities, including:

(A) the process for recruiting, screening, and selecting human subjects;

(B) procedures for obtaining and documenting informed consent;

(C) how many subjects are required at the facility or facilities;

(D) the process for and level of clinical monitoring of human subjects throughout the research period;

(E) procedures for obtaining and documenting authorization to use or disclose protected health information (PHI) or a request for a waiver or alteration of authorization with justification; and

(F) appropriate and sufficient information to enable the facility to provide an accounting of disclosures as required in 45 CFR §164.528(b), if the proposed research includes a request for a waiver or alteration of authorization to use or disclose PHI or the proposed research involves using or disclosing decedents' protected health information without an authorization.

(2) A thorough justification of the research protocol and proposed analyses, including;

(A) a description of the procedures designed to minimize risks to subjects; and

(B) the scientific rationale for targeting the proposed population(s) as human subjects.

(3) If the proposed research would extend a human subject's use of an investigational medication or device as the primary treatment after the subject is discharged from the facility, then the research proposal must also contain a memorandum of agreement between the principal investigator and the local authority responsible for the subject's continuity of care which states that, before the conclusion of the subject's participation in the research study, the local authority agrees:

(A) to make face-to-face contact with the subject to determine whether the subject will need medication services when the subject's participation in the research study has ended; and

(B) to arrange for the provision of needed medication services for the subject when the subject's participation in the research study has ended.

(b) Each designated IRB shall review all proposed research at the facility in accordance with 45 CFR §46.109, concerning IRB review of research.

(c) Each designated IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications to, or disapprove any proposed research. Approval of proposed research shall be based on:

(1) consideration of the information described in subsection (a)(1) - (3) of this section;

(2) the IRB's verification that the requirements in following sections are met:

(A) 45 CFR §46.111, concerning criteria for IRB approval of research;

(B) §414.754 of this title (relating to General Principles); and

(C) §414.758 of this title (relating to Informed Consent); and

(3) the IRB's verification that procedures for obtaining and documenting authorization to use or disclose PHI meet the requirements in 45 CFR §164.508, unless:

(A) the IRB approves a waiver or alternation of the authorization requirement as permitted in §414.760(b) of this title (relating to Using and Disclosing Protected Health Information in Research); or

(B) the IRB determines and documents that:

(i) the data needed for the research is contained in a limited data set and the researcher will comply with the requirements in 45 CFR §164.514(e), including the execution of a data use agreement; or

(ii) the data needed for the research is limited to decedents' protected health information and documentation submitted by the researcher meets the requirements in 45 CFR §164.512(i)(1)(iii).

(d) The designated IRB may take into consideration deliberations and reviews from another IRB that has approved the protocol for a specific research proposal, but the designated IRB is ultimately responsible for approval of the proposed research.

(e) Research review and documentation process.

(1) Facility IRB as the designated IRB. The research review and documentation process for a facility IRB, as described in §414.755(b)(1) and (2) of this title (relating to Designated Institutional Review Board (IRB)), is generally as follows.

(A) The research proposal is reviewed by the facility IRB and, if approved, forwarded to the CEO of the facility where the research is to be conducted.

(B) The facility CEO is informed of the facility IRB's approval or disapproval and recommendations, if any.

(C) If the research proposal is approved by the facility IRB, the facility CEO considers the facility IRB's recommendations, if any, and either approves or disapproves the research proposal for implementation at the facility.

(D) If the research proposal is approved, the ORA is notified in writing of the CEO's and IRB's approval including copies of the IRB's meeting minutes concerning the review of the proposal, the proposal itself, and the CEO's and IRB's documentation of approval.

(2) University IRB as the designated IRB. The research review and documentation process for a facility using a university IRB is generally as follows.

(A) The research proposal is screened by the facility CEO and, if determined appropriate for implementation at the facility, forwarded to the university IRB for review.

(B) The research proposal is reviewed by the university IRB.

(C) The facility CEO is informed of the university IRB's approval or disapproval and recommendations, if any.

(D) If the research proposal is approved by the university IRB, the facility CEO considers the university IRB's recommendations, if any, and either approves or disapproves the research proposal for implementation at the facility.

(E) If the research proposal is approved, the ORA is notified in writing of the CEO's and IRB's approval including copies of the IRB's meeting minutes concerning the review of the proposal, the proposal itself, and the CEO's and IRB's documentation of approval.

(3) Central Office IRB as the designated IRB. The research review and documentation process for a facility using the Central Office IRB is generally as follows.

(A) The research proposal is screened by the facility CEO and, if determined appropriate for implementation at the facility, forwarded to the Central Office IRB.

(B) The research proposal is reviewed by the Central Office IRB.

(C) The facility CEO is informed of the Central Office IRB's approval or disapproval and recommendations, if any.

(D) If the research proposal is approved by the Central Office IRB, the facility CEO considers the Central Office IRB's recommendations, if any, and either approves or disapproves the research proposal for implementation at the facility.

(E) If the research proposal is approved, the ORA is notified in writing of the CEO's and IRB's approval including copies of the IRB's meeting minutes concerning the review of the proposal, the proposal itself, and the CEO's and IRB's documentation of approval.

(4) Central Office IRB as a facility's designated IRB for research studies involving multiple facilities. When a facility's CEO requests that the Central Office IRB act as its designated IRB for a research study involving multiple facilities, pursuant to §414.755(c) of this title (relating to Designated Institutional Review Board (IRB)), then the research review and documentation process is generally as follows.

(A) The research proposal is reviewed and approved by:

(i) each facility CEO;

(ii) the Central Office IRB; and

(iii) the appropriate Central Office director(s), (i.e., director of state mental health facilities or director of state mental retardation facilities).

(B) If the research proposal is approved by the facility CEOs, the Central Office IRB, and the appropriate Central Office director(s), the ORA is notified in writing of the approval, including copies of the IRB's meeting minutes concerning the review of the proposal, the proposal itself, and documentation of approval of the CEOs and the Central Office IRB.

(f) In addition to approval by the designated IRB and facility CEO, review and approval by the TDMHMR medical director is required for any research proposal involving:

(1) a placebo as the primary medication therapy;

(2) medication or doses of medication as the primary medication therapy which are known to be ineffective for the targeted disorder or condition; or

(3) an investigational medication or device.

(g) The review process for proposed research may require additional steps as necessary, (e.g., in the event a proposal is initially rejected).

(h) The facility CEO or designee is responsible for ensuring that all key researchers are qualified to perform any clinical duties assigned to them and are knowledgeable of TDMHMR's rules governing the care and protection of individuals as described in §414.764(5) of this title (relating to References).

§414.758.Informed Consent.

Requirements for approval of proposed research.

(1) The procedures for obtaining and documenting informed consent meet the requirements in 45 CFR §46.116 and §46.117, referenced as Exhibit A in §414.763 of this title (relating to Exhibits), and adequately address:

(A) any extension of the subject's length of stay at the facility as a result of participation in the research;

(B) if the research involves an investigational medication or device, the subject's ability to receive the medication or device after the research has concluded;

(C) whether the research involves the use of a placebo and the likelihood of assignment to the placebo condition;

(D) whether the research involves medication or doses of medication which are known to be ineffective for the targeted disorder or condition and the likelihood of assignment to such medication or doses of medication; and

(E) any risk of deterioration in the subject's condition and the potential consequences of such deterioration (e.g., an extension in the length of stay, the use of interventions such as restraint, seclusion, or emergency medications).

(2) For research protocols that present greater than minimal risk, there are procedures to ensure prospective human subjects are adequately assessed for capacity to consent and:

(A) provide for a qualified professional, who is independent of the research study, to assess prospective human subjects for capacity to consent;

(B) describe who will conduct the assessments; and

(C) describe the nature of the assessment and justification if less formal procedures to assess capacity will be used.

(3) If minors are the proposed human subjects, the requirements in 45 CFR §46.408 (concerning Requirements for Permission by Parents or Guardians and for Assent by Children) have been met.

(4) There are procedures to ensure that:

(A) before obtaining consent, each prospective human subject or the subject's LAR understands the information provided; and

(B) if consent is obtained from the subject's LAR, attempts are made, to the extent possible given the prospective subject's capacity, to obtain the subject's assent to participation.

(5) There are adequate safeguards to minimize the possibility of coercion or undue influence. For example, the possible advantages of the subject's participation in the research may not be so valuable as to impair the subject's ability to weigh the risks of the research against those advantages. Possible advantages within the limited choice environment of a facility may include enhancement of general living conditions, medical care, quality of food, or amenities; opportunity for earnings; or change in commitment status.

(6) There are procedures to ensure that a prospective human subject's objection to enrollment in research or a human subject's objection to continued participation in a research protocol is heeded in all circumstances, regardless of whether the subject or the subject's LAR has given consent. Objection may be conveyed verbally, in writing, behaviorally, or by other indications or means. The procedures may, however, provide for a key researcher, with approval of the LAR (if appropriate) and acting with a level of sensitivity to avoid the possibility or the appearance of coercion, to approach an individual who has previously objected to ascertain whether the individual has changed his/her mind or to approach an individual who has not given consent to ascertain whether the individual wants to enroll in the research protocol.

(7) Because informed consent is an ongoing process, there are procedures to ensure that, throughout the course of the research study, human subjects' comprehension and capacity are assessed and enhanced.

§414.759.Research Involving Offenders as Human Subjects.

(a) Definition of offender. "Offender" means any individual involuntarily confined or detained in a penal institution, including:

(1) individuals sentenced to a penal institution under criminal or civil statute;

(2) individuals detained in other facilities by virtue of statutes or commitment procedures that provide alternatives to criminal prosecution or incarceration in a penal institution; and

(3) individuals detained pending arraignment, trial, or sentencing.

(b) IRB membership. In addition to the requirements in §414.755(d) of this title (relating to Designated Institutional Review Board (IRB)), membership of an IRB that will review proposed research involving offenders or alleged offenders as human subjects must include at least one member who is an offender advocate or representative with appropriate background and experience to serve in that capacity.

(c) Permitted research. Research at a facility may involve offenders or alleged offenders as human subjects only if, in the judgment of the designated IRB, the proposed research involves solely the following:

(1) study of the possible causes, effects, and processes of criminal commitment or criminal confinement, or of criminal behavior, provided that the study presents no more than minimal risk and no more than inconvenience to the subjects;

(2) study of facilities as institutional structures or of individuals criminally committed to a facility, provided that the study presents no more than minimal risk and no more than inconvenience to the subjects;

(3) research on conditions particularly affecting individuals criminally committed to a facility as a class; or

(4) research on treatments or practices, both innovative and accepted, which have the intent and reasonable probability of improving the health or well-being of the subjects.

§414.760.Using and Disclosing Protected Health Information (PHI) in Research.

(a) Except as provided by this section, in order to use or disclose protected health information (PHI), an authorization is required that:

(1) conforms with the requirements of 45 CFR §164.508; and

(2) if the research includes treatment, includes a statement that the subject's right to access his or her PHI created or obtained during the course of research may be temporarily suspended for as long as the research is in progress, and will be reinstated upon completion of the research.

(b) During the review of proposed research, the designated IRB has the authority to approve a waiver or alteration of the authorization requirement in accordance with 45 CFR §164.512(i).

(c) The designated IRB has the authority to approve the use or disclosure of PHI for purposes preparatory to research if the IRB obtains from the researcher adequate representations as required by 45 CFR §164.512(i)(1)(ii).

(d) For a research study approved prior to April 14, 2003, the PHI of a human subject participating in the study may be used or disclosed for the research study if one of the following was obtained prior to April 14, 2003:

(1) an authorization or other express legal permission from the subject or the subject's LAR to use or disclose PHI for the research study;

(2) informed consent of the subject to participate in the research study or informed consent from the subject's LAR for the subject to participate in the research study; or

(3) a waiver of informed consent by the designated IRB for the research study.

§414.761.Investigation of Allegations of Misconduct in Science.

(a) All research undertaken at facilities shall be conducted with a fundamental commitment to high ethical standards regarding the conduct of scientific research.

(b) Reports of alleged misconduct in science are made to the ORA, who shall ensure that:

(1) each allegation is reviewed and investigated by an appropriate entity in accordance with 42 CFR 50, Subpart A, referenced as Exhibit C in §414.763 of this title (relating to Exhibits);

(2) the investigating entity submits to the ORA information documenting the disposition of each allegation; and

(3) the following are notified of confirmed incidents of misconduct in science:

(A) the IRB that approved the research protocol; and

(B) the agency funding the research.

§414.762.Responsibilities of the Office of Research Administration (ORA).

The ORA is responsible for:

(1) approving the establishment or utilization of an IRB by a facility as the facility's designated IRB;

(2) providing staff support to the Central Office IRB;

(3) reviewing and developing TDMHMR rules and policies governing the conduct of research at facilities;

(4) maintaining all documentation regarding a designated IRB's review of research for a facility;

(5) receiving reports of misconduct in science, ensuring each allegation of misconduct in science is reviewed and investigated, and maintaining and reporting information regarding misconduct in science as required by the Office of Research Integrity in accordance with 42 CFR 50, Subpart A, referenced as Exhibit C in §414.762 of this title (relating to Exhibits); and

(6) providing technical assistance and interpretation of policies, procedures, TDMHMR rules, and regulations concerning the conduct of research involving human subjects at facilities.

§414.763.Exhibits.

The following exhibits are referenced in this subchapter, copies of which are available by contacting TDMHMR, Office of Policy Development, P.O. Box 12668, Austin, TX 78711-2668:

(1) Exhibit A--Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects), Subparts A, B, and D;

(2) Exhibit B--"The Belmont Report: Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research, Report of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research" (April 18, 1979); and

(3) Exhibit C--Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50, Subpart A (Responsibility of PHS Awardee and Applicant Institutions for Dealing With and Reporting Possible Misconduct in Science).

§414.764.References.

The following statutes and TDMHMR rules are referenced in this subchapter:

(1) Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 46 (2002) (Protection of Human Subjects), Subparts A, B, and D;

(2) Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50, Subpart A (2002) (Responsibility of PHS Awardee and Applicant Institutions for Dealing With and Reporting Possible Misconduct in Science);

(3) Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 160 and Part 164, Subparts A and E (2002) (Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information);

(4) Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 574 and §533.035; and

(5) TDMHMR rules governing the care and protection of individuals, which address:

(A) rights and protection of persons receiving services in TDMHMR facilities;

(B) consent to treatment with psychoactive or psychotropic medication;

(C) interventions involving persons receiving services in TDMHMR facilities; and

(D) abuse, neglect, and exploitation of persons receiving services in TDMHMR facilities.

§414.765.Distribution.

This subchapter is distributed to:

(1) all members of the Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board;

(2) executive, management, and program staff of Central Office;

(3) CEOs of all facilities; and

(4) advocacy organizations.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on December 18, 2003.

TRD-200308644

Rodolfo Arredondo

Chairman, Texas MHMR Board

Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 1, 2004

For further information, please call: (512) 206-4516