Applying for DSHS-IRB Approval
1. Email us at Cancerdata, or call us at 1-800-252-8059 to discuss the feasability and timeline of your proposal.
2. Complete the "Request for Confidential TCR Data" form and submit for review by the TCR.
- This review ensures that the DSHS-Internal Review Board (IRB) is necessary and that the TCR can provide the requested data.
- A peer-review by the TCR Epidemiology Group is generally completed within two weeks of receipt.
- After review, any suggested changes to the study/data request deemed necessary by the TCR are provided, as well as advisement about whether or not IRB review is necessary to receive the requested data set and/or analyses.
- If the IRB is not required, a data request number and timeline will be provided for when you can expect the data set.
- If IRB approval is required, complete the DSHS-IRB "Application for Review of Research and Data Requests." Information and forms for the DSHS-IRB process are available at: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/irb/default.shtm.
- The IRB packet should be e-mailed to Paul Betts, M.S., Epidemiologist, to review before signed originals are sent.
3. The Texas Cancer Registry, Program Contact listed on the DSHS-IRB Application should be:
Paul Betts , M.S.
Cancer Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch
Texas Department of State Health Services
211 East 7th Street, Suite 325
Austin, TX 78701
ph: 512-305-8096
Paul.Betts@dshs.state.tx.us
4. Once the IRB packet is complete, send the required number of copies (1 original and 1 copy for expedited or exempt studies and 1 original and 14 copies for non-exempt, non-expedited studies) of the IRB application packet and TCR request forms to the attention of Paul Betts, M.S., Epidemiologist, for review and DSHS Program Contact signature. We will then fax the signature page back for your records and submit the DSHS-IRB packet on your behalf.
5. On average, the overall time line is approximately two-three months for the approval process to be completed.
6. Once DSHS-IRB approval is received, the TCR will provide an estimate of the timeline to complete your data request. Factors such as the size and type of request, as well as the number of other data requests and registry projects at that time can affect the speed at which we can complete your data set.
7. Questions about the request process for protected data can be directed to Cancerdata or:
ph: 512-305-8506 (outside of Texas)
ph: 1-800-252-8059 (in Texas)
fax: 512-305-8405
Contact TCR