Under their assurance, institutions are obligated to follow the policy they established for responding to allegations of research misconduct that complies with the PHS Policies on Research Misconduct (42 C.F.R. 93). ORI may discover possible institutional non-compliance during its oversight reviews of investigations or through complaints filed by respondents, whistleblowers, or others. Depending on the nature of the non-compliance, ORI may remind the institution of its obligations under its assurance or forward the complaint to the institution for a response or conduct a site-visit at the institution. If the complaint is substantiated, ORI may admonish the institution, require submission of a plan for remedial action, or withdraw the institution's assurance. 

The contents of this webpage do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This webpage  is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.