Institutional Review Board

The NMHS Institutional Review Board is a local review board that operates under federal guidelines for the oversight of human subject research.

Our IRB meets monthly and includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, a lawyer and community members. This group reviews the science and ethics of the research. Their objective is to assess the risks and benefits to subjects involved in the study.

The IRB has the authority to approve, require modification to or disapprove all research activities that involve an NMHS investigator, facility or patient group. Following initial approval, the IRB conducts periodic reviews of such research.

In most instances, in order to approve research, an IRB must determine that specified criteria have been satisfied.  Among these criteria, an IRB must determine that, when appropriate, the research protocol includes "adequate provisions to protect the privacy of subjects, maintain the confidentiality of data, and to minimize risk of any physical harm."

Our IRB complies with both the Office of Human Research Protection (OHRP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. 

The NMHS IRB has a Federalwide Assurance (FWA) from OHRP, which assures that we review all research with the same high standards.

Mission

The mission of the Institutional Review Board is to continuously improve the safety and ethical basis for human subjects undergoing research. 

Vision

Our vision is to be the best performing Institutional Review Board in America. 

Values

Our values are compassion, accountability, respect, pursuit of excellence and selfless service. 

Learn more about what to expect if you are participating in a clinical trial at NMHS.

Important IRB Numbers

IRB Organizations Number (IORG):  IORG0001558 
expires 09/13/2026

IRB Registration Number:  IRB00002015 
expires 09/13/2026

Federal-wide Assurance Number (FWA):  FWA00001793 expires 11/28/2027 

Contact Us

North Mississippi Health Services 
Institutional Review Board Staff 
830 South Gloster Street
Tupelo, MS 38801

Chair: Stephen Southworth, MD

Shelly Thompson, CIP
NMHS IRB Coordinator
snthompson@nmhs.net
(662) 377-3888

Grant Smith, PharmD
NMHS IRB Manager
ghsmith@nmhs.net
(662) 377-8693