New Human Subjects Research Guidelines
Introduction
This note summaries significant developments in the University Human Subject Research Guidelines. We specifically address how these changes will impact the CNI Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
The University’s updated guidelines dramatically increase the permitted research activity at the CNI. In anticipation of increased activity, we are modifying our SOP to increase access to well-ventilated spaces for all research groups. These changes are implemented in the scheduler, which enables users to clearly reserve space. By explicitly scheduling the use of these spaces, users will more easily meet the space requirements for health safety.
We describe the changes in the research guidelines and then we describe the changes in space scheduling and other important notes.
1. New Human Subject Research Guidelines
As described on the Stanford Research Recovery site, the guidelines for non-clinical human subject research have been considerably relaxed. As of October 21, community research subjects that are considered low risk for COVID-19 (not over the age of 65, and without medical conditions known to create serious risk) are allowed to participate on-campus as long as the PI has completed all other university requirements outlined on this site. Please note that all PIs need to be familiar with the specific guidelines and restrictions on the Stanford Research Recovery site — we’ve chosen not to replicate or distill them into our SOP as they are continually evolving.
2. New CNI SOP
Our CNI SOP has been updated to explicitly add access to the CNI conference room. While this room is under the 250 sq. ft. nominal requirement in order to have 2 occupants, we have received permission to use it in this manner. However, we recommend keeping one or both windows open in order to improve ventilation. We also have included markings on the conference table indicating where the two occupants should sit in order to observe 6′ of social distancing.
3. Additional CNI Scheduler Resources
We expanded the room reservation authority in the CNI scheduler to include the CNI conference room and the CNI lobby for anyone who is currently able to reserve the CNI mock scanner or testing room. We are adding the CNI lobby as a resource in order to help ensure there aren’t any conflicts for this space between groups given the occupancy limits. Please also note that the intent is for users to be reserving these extra spaces immediately prior to or after a scan session. If you would like access to these spaces without a corresponding scan reservation please contact us in advance for approval.
4. Important note about entering the building and the CNI space
Please note that if you are a Stanford affiliate visiting the CNI, you should be entered into the Onsite Role Management System (ORMS) and have completed Stanford HealthCheck. There are no exceptions.
The ORMS system uses badge swipes at door entries to record onsite personnel and ensure compliance with Stanford guidelines (HealthCheck, ORMS entry). All Stanford affiliates should swipe their badge at the Building 420 external entry and CNI entry.
5. Important note about parking for researchers and participants
The Q parking spaces are not currently available so a virtual daily A parking permit needs to be purchased for participants. We recommend creating a departmental-level account with Stanford Transportation (see https://transportation.stanford.edu/parking/purchase-a-parking-permit/how-to-purchase). For each participant you will need to first add the vehicle details and then purchase a daily permit for them. If you are part of the Psychology Department they already have a web form based process for securing daily virtual A permits — please contact Lisa Ewan for more information. We will revisit the option of reacquiring the Q parking spaces as research activity increases.
Additionally please remember that on-campus parking in now enforced 24/7. There are only ‘A’ and ‘C’ spaces available, all visitor parking spaces have been removed. All researchers will need to purchase either an ‘A’ or a ‘C’ parking pass to park anywhere on campus during normal hours. A free after-hours permit is available through the transportation portal as well.
Thanks and stay safe!
The CNI Team
