Which activity describes the IRB/IEC's scheduling and notification responsibilities?

• A. Conducting the trial
• B. Scheduling, notifying its members of, and conducting its meetings
• C. Negotiating contracts
• D. Selecting study endpoints

Answer: (B)

The activity being tested is the IRB/IEC’s work organizing its own meetings. Scheduling the meetings, notifying its members about when and where they’ll occur (and what will be discussed), and then conducting those meetings are the core duties that ensure the board reviews research in a timely, orderly, and compliant way. This is fundamental because regular, well-ordered meetings with proper notice allow the IRB to assess protocols, consent materials, and amendments while keeping members informed and able to participate.

The other options describe tasks outside the IRB’s meeting management role. Conducting the trial is the responsibility of the investigators and sponsor; negotiating contracts is a contract-management activity typically handled by sponsors and sites; selecting study endpoints is part of study design and scientific planning, not the IRB’s scheduling/notification duties.