Minneapolis VA Health Care System Research Service
Research and Development Committee (RDC)
The Minneapolis VAHCS Research and Development Committee (RDC) is responsible through the Chief of Staff (COS) to the Medical Center Director (MCD) for maintaining the highest ethical and scientific standards throughout the facility's research and development program.
The Research and Development (R&D) program is focused on advancing Veterans' health and health care by assuring scientific excellence, the ethical conduct of research, protection of human subjects, the welfare of laboratory animals, the safety of those involved in the research program, and the security of research laboratories, other research resources, and research data. The specific responsibilites and requirements of the Minneapolis VAHCS RDC are defined under VHA Directive 1200.01 "Research and Development Committee".
Responsibilities of the RDC include:
- Research program oversight: Programmatic responsibilities of the RDC include making recommendations regarding personnel, space and other resource needs of the research program, ensuring that approved research projects align with the VA mission and follow guidance in applicable VHA Handbooks and/or Directives, and fulfills other functions as specified by the ACOS/R, MCD, VA Office of Research & Development, and VHA leadership.
- Research committee oversight: The RDC is responsible for established subcommittees that directly oversee and approve human subjects research, animal subjects research, and hazards associated with research activities.
- Direct research oversight: The RDC has direct responsibility for review and approval of all research protocols not meeting criteria for coverage by other RDC subcommittees, such as IRB exempt studies.
All R&D activities within the facility, whether funded or unfunded, are within the purview of the RDC. This includes reviewing all written agreements that define areas of jurisdiction between the RDC, RDC subcommittees, and other institutions. However, the RDC also assigns responsibility to provide scientific review, and some administrative responsibilities, to the appropriate subcommittees and individuals.
To submit a new RDC research protocol, or to modify an existing study, complete all necessary forms in IRBNet.
For help with IRBNet, staff with VA network access can review the information on the VA Innovation and Research Review System (VAIRRS) University SharePoint at https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHAORPPE/VAIRRS/SitePages/VAIRRS-University.aspx (copy and paste this link into your browser). All staff can also email our local support team at VHAMINIRBNet@va.gov.
For RDC-specific assistance, contact the RDC committee coordinator, Kraig (KC) Crandall.
RDC Standard Operating Procedures
Res Svc-RD-001 Research and Development Committee
Res Svc-RD-002 Presentation of Research Results
Res Svc-RD-003 Privacy and Confidentiality of Research Data
Res Svc-RD-004 Research Investigator Responsibilities
Res Svc-RD-005 Reporting Research Events
Res Svc-RD-006 Non-VA Research Recruitment Material Distribution
Res Svc-RD-007 Administration of Research Funds
Res Svc-RD-008 Scopes of Practice
Res Svc-RD-009 Administrative Expectations for Personnel Conducting Research
Res Svc-RD-010 Required Research Training
Res Svc-RD-011 ACOS Approval Prior to Initiation of Research
Res Svc-RD-012 Management of Allegations of Research Misconduct
Res Svc-RD-013 Research Agreements Facilitated by the VA-affiliated Non-Profit Corporation (NPC)
Res Svc-RD-014 Without Compensation (WOC) Employee Policy
Res Svc-RD-015 Policy for Minors in Research
Res Svc-RD-016 Research Data Requirements
Res Svc-RD-017 Research Bridge Funding
Res Svc-RD-018 Prevention of Harassment
Res Svc-RD-019 Non-Research Activities
Res Svc-RD-020 Transfer of Research Data or Materials
Res Svc-RD-021 Managing Potential Conflicts of Interest
Res Svc-RD-022 Payments to Research Participants
Res Svc-RD-023 Participation of Non-Veterans and Non-Eligible Veterans in Research
