Research Compliance

Ensuring Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research

BIDMC is committed to conducting research in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Conscientious adherence to the highest ethical standards is essential to its mission of providing exceptional patient care, enhanced by learning, teaching, and research.

The Research Compliance program covers all areas of research, regardless of the funding source or the nature of the project. 


"Compliance is an overall term for the way we conduct ourselves at work. We are expected to work with integrity, to do the right thing and to do things the right way."  Kevin Tabb, MD, CEO 


The Research Compliance program is administered through the Office of Compliance and Business Conduct. Our office promotes the responsible and ethical conduct of research, collaboration between programs, and a culture of compliance among all members of the BIDMC workforce. We also serve as a resource to the Research Community to address questions or concerns regarding the legal and ethical obligations affecting research.

Research Compliance has a broad area of focus and will assist with any compliance matter affecting the research community, some of these areas include:

  • Animal Research
  • Biologics and Toxins 
  • Controlled Substances
  • Data Acquisition, Management and Security
  • Export Control
  • Grants & Contracts Management
  • Human Subjects Research
  • Radiation Safety
  • Research Safety

 

Ways that we help achieve research compliance:

  • Promote ethical behavior, integrity in our interactions and compliance with regulatory requirements and institutional policies and procedures
  • Foster a culture of integrity
  • Support an environment where individuals ask questions and report real or potential compliance related concerns
  • Serve as a resource and provide guidance
  • Provide education and training
  • Conduct risk assessments and operational audits (random or targeted)
  • Monitor regulatory and other relevant changes
  • Proactively communicate new rules and regulations to prevent compliance or ethical issues before they happen
  • Assist with policy development
  • Take appropriate action in the event that potentially unethical or non-compliant activity occurs