The Benefits of Accreditation

Accreditation benefits research organizations, participants, and the research enterprise as a whole. The accreditation process requires organizations to take a comprehensive look at their human research protection programs (HRPPs)―to identify and address any weaknesses and to build upon their strengths. The result is a more cohesive HRPP, with the systems in place not only to protect research participants but also to advance research more efficiently and effectively.

Following are just some of the advantages of AAHRPP accreditation:


     •     The highest possible standards and protections. AAHRPP’s high ethical and
           professional standards provide the most comprehensive protections for research
           participants. These standards exceed federal requirements for safeguarding
           participants and extend to all research studies overseen by an organization’s HRPP.

     •     An assurance of quality. Accreditation is evidence of a quality research program.
           The AAHRPP seal indicates not only that an organization safeguards research
           participants but also that data are reliable and credible and the organization has
           made a commitment to continuous quality improvement.

     •     Improved efficiency, effectiveness. AAHRPP requires organizations to take an
           unprecedented view of their research protection programs―to make sure not just
           that policies and procedures are in place but also that they are documented and
           translated into practice. As a result, accredited organizations tend to have more
           streamlined and effective policies and procedures. These organizations also typically
           keep better records and are more likely to avoid costly shutdowns and problematic
           inspections.

     •     A competitive edge. Sponsors and other funding agencies recognize that
           accredited organizations have more efficient operations, provide more
           comprehensive protections, and produce high-quality data. Increasingly,
           accreditation is expected to be a condition of research support.

     •     Government recognition. Federal agencies acknowledge the value of
           accreditation. They have begun seeking accreditation for their own HRPPs and
           using accreditation status to guide decisions. Regulators are more likely, for
           example, to target non-accredited organizations for inspections. With its commitment
           to quality and accountability, accreditation also is a viable alternative to further
           regulation.

     •     Public trust, confidence. Prospective participants, and the public in general, are
           looking to the research enterprise to take responsibility for ensuring that research
           is conducted safely and ethically. Since accreditation is a voluntary, objective
           measure of quality, participants are more likely to choose organizations that have
           earned the AAHRPP seal.

return to top