During an Institutional Review Board (IRB) meeting, what should an IRB member with a potential conflict of interest do?

Disclosing a potential conflict of interest (COI) is crucial in maintaining the integrity and objectivity of the IRB review process. The correct choice emphasizes that an IRB member must disclose their potential COI, ensuring transparency and accountability within the group. By doing so, the member is allowing others to be aware of any influences that could affect their judgment regarding the study in question.

Furthermore, while the member is permitted to answer questions, their recusal from voting adds an additional layer of ethical responsibility. This is important because it prevents any undue influence on the decision-making process regarding the research under review. Allowing the member to contribute discussion while abstaining from the vote embodies a balance between utilizing their expertise and safeguarding the integrity of the IRB's decisions.

In contrast, merely disclosing the COI and not answering any questions limits the effectiveness of the discussion and does not allow the IRB to benefit from the member's knowledge, which is vital for performing a thorough review. Choosing to recuse completely or leaving the meeting may be overly cautious, as it forfeits the opportunity for the IRB to utilize the member's insights while still managing the conflict appropriately through their abstention from voting. Therefore, the correct response aligns with ethical guidelines aimed at