Reliance Agreement
Join SMART IRB Agreement V3.0
Preparing to Join V3.0
The SMART IRB Agreement supports reliance between institutions and for consortiums and other groups. It clearly defines roles and responsibilities and eliminates the need to sign reliance agreements for each study. Joining does not obligate your institution to participate in any research or agree to a reliance arrangement. Institutions may use the Agreement as frequently as they like.
Note: As of March 17, 2025, institutions must join SMART IRB Reliance Agreement V3.0 to initiate any new reliance arrangements under the SMART IRB Agreement. Learn more.
Before starting the joinder process, be sure to review the following materials with institution officials and counsel, as appropriate.
Choose Your Path
Legacy Institutions
(V1.0/2.0 Participating Institutions)
Participating Institutions must join SMART IRB Reliance Agreement V3.0 to initiate any new reliance arrangements or to add sites to existing arrangements under the Agreement.
New to SMART IRB
(not yet a Participating Institution)
Joining SMART IRB Reliance Agreement V3.0 allows your institution to enter into reliance arrangements with other V3.0 Participating Institutions.
