Research Ethics Board. A group of doctors, scientists, consumers and others which is not affiliated with the sponsor. The mandate of the REB is to evaluate all aspects of the clinical trial to ensure that it complies with Canadian regulations, is ethical and protects the safety and rights of study participants. All clinical trials to be conducted in Canada must be approved by an REB before they begin. Sometimes called an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Review Ethics Board. An independent group of professionals designated to review and approve the clinical protocol, informed consent forms, study advertisements, and patient brochures, to ensure that the study is safe and effective for human participation. It is also the REB's responsibility to ensure that the study adheres to Health Canada's regulations.
Research Ethics Board. Groups of scientists, doctors, clergy, and consumers at each health care facility or university at which a clinical trial takes place. Designed to protect patients who take part in studies, REBs review and must approve the protocols for all Clinical Trials. They check to see that the study is well-designed, does not involve undue Risks, and includes safeguards for Participants.