IRB Electronic Signature Policy

This policy outlines the procedures for use of electronic signatures for research applications submitted by students and faculty to the Institutional Review Board.

• An electronic signature is an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically associated with an electronic record or adopted by a person with the intent to sign a record.
• An electronic record or transaction is a record or transaction created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means.
• Research applications submitted to the IRB by computer will be considered electronic records and transactions for purposes of this policy.
• For purposes of submitting research applications to the Institutional Research Board the following shall all be recognized as an electronic signature:

• Typed Name
• E-Mail Address
• Scanned image of a signature
• Automatic e-mail signature

• The authentication for these electronic signatures is based on the University policy that furnishes a unique username; and the student or faculty member setting his or her own password. The user/applicant logs into the University network using his or her own username and password. Investigators should use their NSU email for authentication.
• The applicant and the IRB agree that electronic signatures can be utilized when submitting research applications and when the IRB responds to the applicant(s) research application after review by board members.
• The applicant agrees to the terms of this policy whenever he or she submits electronically a research application.
• The burden of refuting the authenticity of the electronic signature will be on the applicant.