What type of studies may the IRB expedite review according to federal regulations?

The correct answer is related to the specific criteria set by federal regulations that govern the Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes. The IRB may expedite review for studies that pose no more than minimal risk to participants. This designation is critical because it ensures that research that does not significantly jeopardize the well-being of participants can move through the IRB process more quickly, allowing for the promotion of research while still prioritizing participant safety.

The concept of minimal risk means that the likelihood and severity of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research is not greater than what is ordinarily encountered in daily life or during routine physical or psychological examinations. This allows for a more efficient review process for studies that are generally considered safe, thereby facilitating the advancement of research that meets these criteria.

In contrast, studies involving significant risk require more thorough scrutiny to ensure participant safety, which is why those cannot be expedited. Additionally, while studies involving vulnerable populations may warrant careful consideration, they do not automatically qualify for expedited review unless they also meet the minimal risk criteria. Lastly, the funding status of a study does not inherently influence the IRB's decision to expedite a review; rather, it is the risk level that dictates the pace at which a study can be reviewed.