How to Access the HSPP Policies and Procedures...
The HSPP Policies and Procedures provide guidance and information for investigators conducting all types of human subjects research. Please refer to these Policies and Procedures in the prepartion and conduct of all human subjects research.
HSPP Policies and Procedures

How To Submit a New Proposal...
All investigators must submit IRB applications online through the iStar System. You must obtain an iStar account in order to create and submit IRB applications. To request an iStar account by e-mail:

1. Type “iStar Account Request” in the subject line of an email.
2. Include in the body of the email your name, your campus (UPC or HSC), school / department, and email address.
3. Send the email to istar@usc.edu

For information on how to use iStar, download the iStar User guide for Investigators and Study Personnel and visit the iStar website. From the iStar Home page, you will find a “General Information” section on the left side of the screen. First time iStar users should click the various links under the “General Information” section for helpful guidance.

How To Submit a Claim of Exemption...
Investigators are required to submit a new Claim of Exemption using the iStar System. Refer to the iStar Announcement for details and also the iStar website to obtain an iStar account. The iStar System has a wealth of guidance resources to provide assistance in completing a new application.

Expedited vs Exempt Studies...perspective of an IRB reviewer (Word) (PDF)

How To Submit a Continuing Review...
iStar Applications:
All Contintuing Review applications must be submitted online through iStar using the Continuing Review (progress report) applications. As ongoing projects move closer to their expiration dates, continuing review notifications are emailed to the principal investigator. The first notification is sent out 60 days before the study expiration date; the second notification, 45 days before; the third notification, 30 days before; and the final notice on the day of expiration. The third and the final notifications are sent to both the PI and Co-investigators and any other personnel specified in iStar application. For detailed information on how to submit a continuing review via iStar, refer to the User guide for Investigators and Study Personnel.

• IRB Requirements for Continuing Review After Enrollment and Data Collection are Completed (Word) (PDF)
• IRB Continuing Review for Full Board Studies (Word) (PDF)

Paper Applications:
Projects initially submitted on paper and are subject to continuing review, have been entered into the iStar system as "legacy studies". Continuing review applications for these projects must be submitted via iStar. For more information on "legacy studies" and the iStar conversion process visit theiStar Conversion quick sheet.

Please note that if the project has expired, the investigator may not enroll new subjects until the study’s continuing review has been reviewed and approved.

How to Submit an Amendment to a Previously Approved Protocol...
Amendments must be submitted through iStar. To submit an amendment / revision to a currently approved project, click the “New Amendment” tab in the study workspace. Answer the questions in the amendment application. For detailed instructions on how to submit an amendment, download the iStar amendment quick sheet . For help with individual questions when filling out the smart form amendment application, click the “Guidance” link to the right of each question.

NOTE: Any proposed changes to a project must be reviewed and approved by the IRB before the change can be implemented.