SECTION 310:2-31-13. Research Integrity Officer

(a)   The Commissioner will appoint the Research Integrity Officer (RIO) who will have primary responsibility for implementation of these procedures. The RIO Officer will be an employee of OSDH who is well qualified to handle the procedural requirements involved and is sensitive to the varied demands made on those who conduct research, those who are accused of misconduct, and those who report apparent misconduct in good faith.

(b)   The RIO will appoint the inquiry and investigation committees and ensure that necessary and appropriate expertise is secured to carry out a thorough and authoritative evaluation of the relevant evidence in an inquiry or investigation. The RIO will do everything possible to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.

(c)   The RIO will assist inquiry and investigation committees and all employees in complying with these procedures and with applicable standards imposed by government or external funding sources. The RIO shall maintain files of all documents and evidence and shall maintain the confidentiality and the security of the files.

(d)   The RIO reports to ORI shall keep ORI apprised of any developments during the course of the inquiry or investigation that may affect current or potential DHHS funding for the individual(s) under investigation or that PHS needs to know to ensure appropriate use of federal funds and otherwise protect the public interest.

(e)   The RIO has the responsibility under 42 C.F.R. Part 50 and 93 for the completion and submission of the institution's annual report to the federal Office of Research Integrity.

[Source: Added at 36 Ok Reg 1649, eff 9-13-19]