WHEREAS, The Western Institutional Review Board (WIRB) is an
impartial review panel that safeguards the rights and welfare of human
research subjects, ensuring risks are both minimized and disclosed
fairly to study participants; and
WHEREAS, WIRB, an ethical review board for clinical research
studies, reviews federally regulated and industry-sponsored research
for both large and small institutions in every medical discipline; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1968 by Dr. Angela Bowen and headquartered in
Olympia, Washington, WIRB is the oldest and most experienced
independent institutional review board in America, providing research
services for more than 10,000 investigators in more than 30 countries
and in all 50 states; and
WHEREAS, The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research
Protection Programs Inc. (AAHRPP) is a nonprofit organization offering
accreditation to institutions engaged in research involving human
participants; and
WHEREAS, WIRB has received accreditation by AAHRPP, thereby
establishing a "gold seal," signifying adherence to rigorous standards
for human protection, ensuring consistency and uniformity among all
institutions conducting biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences
research; and
WHEREAS, WIRB strives to ensure that risks of scientific
advancement never outweigh the value of human life, follow tradition
while embracing new technologies and practices, maintain ethical
conduct and regulatory compliance, and honor and respect all persons;
and
WHEREAS, WIRB provides continuing education for investigators of
medical research in governing regulations, drug development process,
and ethical, regulatory, legal, and human-subject protection
responsibilities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate
recognize the Western Institutional Review Board as a leader in
clinical research reviews that makes every effort to protect all
research parties from any conflicts of interest; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be
immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Western
Institutional Review Board President Angela J. Bowen, M.D., Senior Vice
President Ron Warren, and William C. Jacobs, Chairman.