Minneapolis VA Health Care System Research Service
New Staff Orientation: Administrative Expectations
Staff Orientation: Overview | Administrative Expectations | Required Training | Security | Timekeeping & Travel
While the Principal Investigator (PI) for a research project is responsibile for the execution of the project, and maintains responsibility for all staff working on the project under their supervision, research personnel should ensure that they understand the rules and policies that govern their participation in VA research.
Researcher Responsibilities
All personnel engaged in VA research must agree to follow all applicable rules and regulations, complete required training, and respond to administrative requests in a timely manner. This includes the expectation that staff working on VA research will use VA email when possible, and/or CC their VA email when using a non-VA address. As a reminder, use of a non-VA address is not allowed for transmission of sensitive or identifiable data (PHI/PII). Messages containing PHI/PII must be sent via encrypted VA email only.
Scope of Practice
Each member of the research team, including clinicians with a functional statement/privileges, must have a research "Scope of Practice" statement listing what tasks they are allowed to do. The scope of practice is approved by the individual's PI or immediate supervisor and the ACOS or Deputy ACOS. Each individual is only required to have one scope of practice. It is your responsibility to update your scope of practice any time duties are added or removed.
The Scope of Practice form should be completed and submitted via email to the Research Office (VHAMINResearchOffice@va.gov) after the employee and immediate supervisor or PI sign the form.
Applicable policy and guidance:
- RDC-008 "Scopes of Practice"
- RDC-009 "Administrative Expectations for Personnel Conducting Research"
- RDC-016 "Research Data Requirements"
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