Ethics review pathways

Two pathways exist for ethical review: low or negligible risk review and greater than low risk review.

Low or negligible risk review pathway—‘Low risk’ is where the only foreseeable risk is one of discomfort such as measuring blood pressure or interview-induced anxiety. ‘Negligible risk’ is where there is no foreseeable risk of harm or discomfort; and any foreseeable risk is no more than inconvenience.

‘Negligible risk’ also includes research involving the use of existing collections of data or records that contain only non-identifiable data about human beings can be exempted from ethics review.

A sub-committee of the HREC reviews low or negligible risk applications out of session.

Greater than low risk review pathway—warranted where the risk, even if unlikely, is more serious than discomfort.

Greater than low risk ethics applications are reviewed by the full HREC. Applications must be submitted by close of business on the closing date prior to the HREC meeting. Refer to the reviewing Queensland Health HREC for application closing dates, meeting dates and site requirements.

More information

For more information and guidelines that have been made in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992 you can view and download the S2.1.6 National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2018.