As of 10/26/2020 the “Transmission of Sensitive Information” standard has been updated. Although the standard is broader than communication with research subjects, it is inclusive of them as well and this revision will allow for an exception to the current process to permit texting or email with an individual through an exception process that involves obtaining the individual’s consent for certain types of messages.
The Office for Human Research Ethics (OHRE) has been working on this update for research participant communication in collaboration with Information Technology Services (ITS), ITS Policy Office, Privacy Office, Office of Clinical Trials (OCT), and IT-School of Medicine (SOM)
Updates have been made to IRBIS, consent templates, and a FAQ has been completed.