IRB review is institution-specific, not project-specific

A common misunderstanding is that IRB review is project-specific, when in reality, IRB review is institution-specific. Just because one institution approved a research project does not mean that the researcher can go to another institution and continue the project there. Instead, that researcher would need to obtain new IRB review from their new institution. The reason this is the case is because the creation of an IRB involves the institution certifying that all their researchers will abide by the regulations, and an institution can only make that claim for its own employees. UNLV could not makes guarantees about the conduct of a researcher from, for example, UNR, because UNLV has no relationship with or authority over that researcher.

This is also why arrangements need to be made for projects that take place at multiple locations: each location needs to be covered by an IRB’s review, and that can be achieved either by each location obtaining its own IRB review, or by each institution entering into an agreement to let one IRB review for all locations. The latter option requires formal processes and documentation to ensure that the reviewing IRB is able to have adequate oversight of the research at all locations.

There is no such thing as "retrospective IRB approval"

There is no such thing as “retrospective IRB approval,” which is to say, you cannot seek IRB approval for a project you have already completed. In the IRB world, it is never a good idea to forgo asking for permission now, and instead ask for forgiveness later. Where this misconception arises is that it IS possible to ask the IRB for permission to use retrospective data, meaning data that has already been collected for some other project. But that kind of research still needs prospective approval, meaning you must seek IRB approval before beginning the project that uses the retrospective data.

No research activities may begin until IRB approval is obtained

It is important to understand that you cannot begin your research until you have IRB approval. This includes engaging in recruitment activities. Every part of a human research project, from recruitment through data collection, all the way to data analysis must be reviewed by and have the oversight of an IRB.