Ethics Resources and Guidance
Information about our guiding policies and procedures.
The UBC Providence Health Care Research Ethics Board (UBC PHC REB) is a UBC-affiliated research ethics board that oversees all research involving human subjects conducted under the auspices of Providence Health Care to ensure that such research meets the highest scientific and ethical standards in order to protect patients, investigators and the institution.
Research Ethics Approval
Ethics are principles of right conduct guiding "what ought to be done".
Our Principles
The Board’s membership and procedures fully conform to the current requirements of the bodies regulating research ethics boards in Canada and North America. In the context of the Tri-Council Policy Statement on Ethical Research Involving Humans (TCPS2 – 2022) the Board subscribes to the following ethical principles that are commonly held and valued by diverse research disciplines:
- Respect for human dignity
- Respect for free and informed consent
- Respect for vulnerable persons
- Respect for privacy and confidentiality
- Respect for justice and inclusiveness
- Balancing harms and benefits
Read the full policy statement
All research involving humans or material or information derived from humans within Providence Health Care requires approval of the UBC PHC REB prior to the initiation of a research project. Accordingly, UBC's Policy LR9 mandates that all research involving human participants that is conducted under the auspices of the University must be approved by and overseen by a sanctioned Research Ethics Board.
In the event that an investigator cannot determine whether an intended investigation constitutes research (for instance, quality assurance studies do not constitute research), the investigator should contact the Ethics Office.
Providing such consultation on ethics matters is part of the responsibility of the Board.
Compliance with US Regulations
All UBC Research Ethics Boards have an assurance of compliance approved by the United States Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP). The Assurance obligates UBC researchers who conduct research supported by the US Federal government or regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration to comply with applicable US Federal Regulations. UBC’s Research Ethics Boards share a common set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that comply with these regulations.
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United States Federal Wide Assurance (FWA)
Ethics Approval
Any research involving human participants that is conducted at UBC facilities (including UBC-affiliated hospitals) or by persons connected to the University must be reviewed and approved by one of UBC’s seven sanctioned Research Ethics Boards (REBs).
Research ethics applications must be submitted electronically through the RISe website. All amendments, renewals, and requests for acknowledgment to previously approved applications must also use RISe. UBC researchers based at one of the affiliated hospital sites or research institutes must submit ethics applications to their local REB. At the discretion of the REB Chair or Manager, a submission may be re-directed to a more appropriate REB. Please consult your local REB administrators if you are not sure which Board you should apply to.
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What type of research does the UBC PHC REB review?
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Who can submit to the UBC PHC REB?
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Research at multiple sites
Policies and Procedures
Policy Information
To view a comprehensive listing of UBC policies, standard operating procedures, regulations and guidance that apply to research involving human subjects, please click on the link below.
Further information about the broad policies applicable to research involving human subjects in Canada, USA, and the international community can be found via the links below.
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Other Policy Resources
Privacy Information
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Data Encryption Guidelines
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PHC Research Data Management Guidance
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VCH/PHC Quality Improvement Intake Form
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Confidentiality Acknowledgement for Remote Monitors
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PHC PIA RedCap Checklist
Additional Resources
Membership lists and annual reports
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Membership Lists
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Annual Reports