Do IRBs require a majority of voting members, including at least one non-scientist, to proceed with a meeting?

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are mandated to have a diverse membership to ensure that the review process is fair, comprehensive, and takes into account various perspectives. One key requirement is that IRBs must include a majority of voting members present at a meeting, which not only ensures that the decisions made represent a sufficiently broad base of knowledge and experience but also safeguards against potential conflicts of interest.

Moreover, having at least one non-scientist on the board is crucial because it incorporates viewpoints that are outside the scientific domain, such as ethical, legal, or societal considerations. This diversity is essential in evaluating research proposals, particularly those involving human subjects, where ethical implications are a primary concern. Thus, for an IRB meeting to proceed legally and in accordance with regulatory requirements, the presence of a majority of members along with at least one member who is not a scientist is necessary. This structure is designed to bolster the integrity and thoroughness of the review process.