Our Mission

The mission of the Portland Area Indian Health Service Institutional Review Board (PAIRB) is to protect the rights, welfare, and dignity of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals and Tribes in the Portland Area (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) by reviewing all research activities involving IHS facilities, data, staff resources, or funding. The PAIRB may also serve as the IRB of record for research conducted in Tribal or Urban Indian Facilities within the Portland Area that choose to rely on it for review.

We ensure research is conducted ethically, with an appropriate informed consent process and equitable selection of participants, respects Tribal sovereignty, minimizes potential harm to both individuals and communities, with potential harm reasonable relative to potential benefits, protects privacy and confidentiality, and is clinically relevant and technically sound.

Oregon, Washington, and Idaho

About Us

PAIRB is the Institutional Review Board for research involving IHS facilities, data, staff resources, or funding within the Portland Area (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington). The Portland Area IRB includes members from diverse backgrounds, including members of tribes, individuals affiliated with the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, and individuals affiliated with IHS, including at least one physician, with at least one non-scientist member.

 

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Additional Information

Our Scope 

The PAIRB serves as the Institutional Review Board of record for:

• All research involving IHS staff, facilities, data, or funding in the Portland Area (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington).

• Tribes and Urban Indian facilities in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington that elect to rely on the PAIRB for review.

Tribes retain the sovereign right to designate a different IRB if they prefer.

Other IHS Areas have their own IRBs.  The National IHS IRB, located in Rockville, MD, serves as the IRB of record for Areas without their own IRB, and for projects that involve more than one IHS Area.

What Makes an Indian Health Service IRB or Tribal IRB Unique? 

While not specifically found within the “Common Rule” (regulations for human subject research; 45 CFR 46), the PAIRB considers group harm—the potential for negative impacts on Tribal communities as a whole—not just individual participants. This includes ensuring research:

• Is culturally respectful
• Aligns with the priorities of the IHS and Tribes involved
• Provides benefit to the participating tribal organizations and communities
• Respects and upholds Tribal sovereignty

Publication and Presentation Review

Under the Indian Health Manual Part 1, Chapter 7 (Research Activities), the PAIRB requires review and approval of all publication or presentation materials stemming from research under our purview, including but not limited to:

• Manuscripts
• Conference abstracts
• Posters
•Oral presentations

This review ensures:
1. Confidentiality is maintained
2. Tribal communities are not harmed
3. Scientific quality and integrity are upheld
4. Appropriate Tribal and/or IHS approvals are in place

All publication and presentation materials are reviewed in accordance with federal regulations, Indian Health Service policy, and any applicable Tribal resolutions, rules, or regulations.

Submission Process

All materials for review are submitted through IRBNet.org under the Portland Area Indian Health Service IRB workspace.

Researchers may submit application materials previously submitted to another IRB, provided they meet PAIRB requirements.

All necessary forms, templates, and guidance documents are available in IRBNet.

Meeting Schedule

• The PAIRB meets every other month and more frequently if required.

Researcher Responsibilities 

Researchers working with the PAIRB are responsible for:

• Determining review requirements: Evaluate whether your activity is human subjects research (e.g. whether it is a systematic investigation or designed to contribute to generalizable knowledge and involves human subjects) and, if so, evaluate whether it may qualify for exemption. In IRBNet, there is a separate application if you believe your research may qualify for exemption.
• Securing required approvals: Obtain necessary Tribal, IHS, or Urban Indian facility approvals prior to IRB review and submit documentation.
• Submitting complete materials: Provide a cover letter, full protocol, supporting documents (e.g. consent forms, assent forms, surveys, recruitment materials), and required forms through IRBNet (See Minimum Requirements for Protocol Submission in IRBNet). For modifications, include tracked changes on documents.
• Allowing sufficient time for IRB review and approval. If your research requires convened or “full committee” review, please be aware that the IRB meets every other month. Exempt and expedited reviews as well as publication reviews are faster, with the length of time for review dependent upon the complexity.     
• Adhering to approved procedures: Conduct research exactly as approved, and submit a modification request before implementing any changes.
• Maintaining compliance: Follow all applicable federal laws and regulations, IHS policies, and Tribal laws or resolutions.
• Reporting to the IRB: Promptly report any unanticipated problems, adverse events, or protocol deviations.
• Continuing Review: Submit progress reports and renewal requests annually (or as required, if applicable to your study).
• Publication and Presentation Review: Submit all materials for review and approval before public dissemination (per IHS Policy).

Contact Us

IRB Coordinator: Clarice Charging (MHA Nation)
Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
920 NW 17th Ave

Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 503-416-3256
Fax: (503) 228-4801

PAIRB@ihs.gov

Portland Area Indian Health Service
1414 NW Northrup St., Suite 800
Portland, OR 97209