Ethical Review Process by Ethics Committees

From a practical perspective, due process implies that:

• The REC will be impartial.
  
• It will make its decisions at announced meetings with a quorum.
  
• Only members who participate in deliberations will take part in decisions.
  
• Investigators/sponsors should have a fair opportunity to be heard (although not participate in the deliberation and decision).
  

A decision (favourable or negative opinion) should be communicated in writing to the applicant and to the relevant authorities according to national requirements.

Appropriate archiving of records also promotes due process. The REC should ensure that it retains, and be ready to make available, relevant records of its decisions, procedures, etc., for the required time period.