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Participating Institutions
including all CTSA hubs

Glossary

Online Reliance System

Request, track, and document reliance arrangements

Investigators and institutions can use the Online Reliance System to request, track, and document reliance arrangements on a study-by-study basis.

  • Simplifies the selection of a single IRB for multisite studies
  • Manages communication between institutions and investigators
  • Tracks the status of requests
  • Clearly indicates what needs to be done next
  • Documents reliance arrangements for each study
  • Reminder options help keep the process moving
  • Sites can be added to a reliance arrangement by amendment
  • On-demand summary reports for institutions

Reliance Walkthrough Video

Check out our Resources for more information about using the system.

Learn more about the technology behind the SMART IRB Online Reliance System.

How it works

For Investigators

To submit a request for reliance for your study, the Overall PI or a designee will:

  • Provide details about the study
  • List the engaged sites
  • Identify activities and personnel at each site
  • Upload research protocol and any consent templates

Request investigator access

Review the Reliance Checklist and prepare study materials prior to logging in.

For Institutions

Once a request is submitted:

  • The Overall PI’s home institution evaluates the request
  • A Reviewing IRB is identified
  • Institutions express their willingness to rely and communicate local context information
  • The Reviewing IRB reviews each institution’s decision and issues a determination

Contact us to request institution administrator access for your POC

Get Started

Use the Online Reliance System to enable reliance for your studies.

Log In

Request Investigator Access

Institution Points of Contact (POCs): contact us to request access.

Has Your Institution Joined?

Check the Participating Institution list to see if your institution is on the list.

Learn more about joining.