Other Approvals

Additional approvals may be required for certain activities and Departments may have their own policies in regards to who can have such accesses. Coordinators will verify with the designated Department for approval, the UCLA Health Sciences Volunteer Program Coordinators will verify with the designated departments or offices to ensure approval is documented. 

There will be a delay in volunteer's clearance process if approval is not received or if revisions on the Research Volunteer Scope of Duties (RVSD) form are needed. 

The following activities may require additional approvals: 

1. Animal Research activities
   • Access to specified species must be approved by the UCLA Animal Research Committee (ARC). To obtain approval:
     • Applicants must complete all necessary ARC requirements (please ask the inviting supervisor how to obtain ARC approval).
2. Biohazardous Materials access and activities
   • Access to specified biohazardous materials (i.e. human cells, tissues, blood, bacteria, etc.) must be approved by the UCLA Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). To obtain approval:
     • Applicants must complete all necessary IBC requirements (please ask the inviting supervisor how to be added to the study protocol Biological Use Authorization [BUA] for IBC Office approval)
3. High-Risk Laboratory Duties
   • Access to hazardous materials, biohazardous materials, or advanced research duties may require departmental approval. 
4. Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approved Studies (Clinical Research only)
   • Access to clinical data, interactions with patients/human research subjects, or conducting approved low-risk study procedures must be IRB approved. To obtain approval:
     • The inviting supervisor(s) must have checked off "UCLA health sciences volunteers" under Local Study Team Members for the respective IRB study. 
     • 
       • For webIRB technical assistance, inviting supervisor(s) can contact the UCLA IRB office.
     • Per policy, the role and responsibilities of a volunteer when assisting with the IRB study are outlined in their approved assignment information (Scope of Duties form) and NOT what is listed in the webIRB.
     • CITI Training must be completed even if the IRB study is approved to start any clinical research activities.
5. MRI Scanning for 7T (Animal Research) or Assisting as Second Safety 3T (Clinical Research only)
   1. Please ensure an Addendum is included in the volunteer assignment (RVSD Form) if any volunteer(s) will be assisting with MRI Scanning activities depending on the location of scanning as duties are restricted:
      1. Brain Mapping Center (7T, Second Safety for 3T, TMS, tDCS)
      2. Staglin Center (Second Safety for 3T)
   2. RVSD forms must have this addendum in order for volunteers to proceed with completing the MRI Safety Certification Training.
6. Minor Volunteers in Laboratories
7. Radioactive Materials and/or Lasers
8. Sharps/Needles access and activities
9. Systems Access (Mednet and/or Care Connect)

For any additional questions NOT listed in our FAQs, please contact the UCLA Health Sciences Volunteer Office.