AHCL Ethics Committee

All research which involves human interaction, access to human tissue and/or identified personal information that is not already on the public record must routinely undergo ethical review by the Adventist HealthCare Limited Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) prior to commencement.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: UPCOMING CHANGES TO THE HREC REVIEW PROCESS

Our AHCL Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) will be formally disbanded effective August 2025. As a result, all research proposals involving a higher risk profile will require review by an external HREC. Research deemed low risk, as well as quality improvement (QI) activities and exemptions from ethical review, will continue to be reviewed internally. Researchers are kindly reminded that all research proposals must still be submitted to the Research Office in the first instance. Our team will assess each submission and advise whether it requires internal or external review.

We understand that change can be challenging, and the Research Office is committed to supporting you throughout this transition. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance or assistance at any stage of the process.

The ethical review process incorporates all aspects of research governance to ensure that human research within Adventist HealthCare Limited meets appropriate standards of quality, safety, privacy, risk management, financial management and ethical acceptability. Retrospective ethical approval will not be granted. Complaints are handled in accordance with relevant protocols and regulations.

Research activities that require ethical review include, but are not limited to the following:

Committee membership

Membership of the Adventist HealthCare Limited Human Research Ethics Committee is structured in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) Sections 5.1.29 and 5.1.30. Members are selected based on their experience in the areas of research conducted within Adventist HealthCare facilities and are appointed by the Adventist HealthCare Limited Board of Directors for a three-year term.

In addition to the core membership requirements specified by the National Statement, other member categories have been identified by the Human Research Ethics Committee as relevant to the Committee's function and the members form an integral part of the Committee's membership.

The Committee includes the following members. Duties and responsibilities of certain members are outlined in the linked job descriptions.