Reasons to Be Compliant

            It seems that every day there are more and more rules and regulations that must be followed, while conducting research of any kind. At first glance, it’s easy to view these regulations and associated paperwork as either unnecessary, requiring too much time, another hindrance or something to ignore. In reality, these laws actually help in our efforts to conduct quality research. In a field where resources are limited and competition is fierce, quality, regulatory compliant research is a key to success. The following are just a few of the reasons to be compliant.

Compliance Can Make and Save You Money

• Following the correct processes from the beginning eliminates the possibility of lost time and delays and the possibility of missing an application or funding deadline.
• Proper training for support staff and students assures that productive time is not lost as a result of injury to an employee or student or damage to your lab.
• Proper training and safety measures also protect the integrity of your research, as well as the health and safety of your employees and students. It also shows your employees and students that you care.
• If the appropriate committee approvals are not obtained, it is possible that you might not be able to use the data from your research.

It’s Your Reputation

• Word travels in every community, whether it is on or off campus, at the national or international level. Everyone knows who conducts quality research that is compliant with the appropriate regulations
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• Developing a reputation for quality research will help you obtain funding and advance or maintain your career.
• It will help with recruiting and retaining staff. People are attracted to laboratories where quality research is safely conducted.

It’s the Law

• Failure to follow the regulations can result, not only in a loss of funding for the investigator, but also for the investigator’s college and the University.
• Failure to follow the regulations can result in a monetary fine for both the investigator and the institution.
• “A single incident of serious non-compliance with regulations can jeopardize the entire institution’s privilege of conducting research.”(Medical Research Service, VA Office of Research and Development)
• Failure to follow the regulations in a serious incident of non-compliance can result in a jail sentence for the investigator.