Table 2.
Members and processes of research ethics committees (RECs), Finland compared to England, Canada (Ontario), and the USA, around 2010
| Finland | England | Canada | USAa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC members | ||||
| Expertise | Specified some expertise | “Many-sided” | Specified some expertise | “Many-sided” |
| Lay-members, at least | Two | One third | One | One |
| Voluntary | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Payment | Varied, remunerations | No, locum costs covered | Varied, chairpersons usually paid | Varied, members usually modestly |
| Process | ||||
| Multi-centre project | One committee | One committee | Usually several | Various options, usually several |
| Time-limit for decisions | 3 months for drug trials | 2 months for drug trials | No | No |
| Proportionate review | Not explicitly | Yes, leading principle | Yes | Yes, leading principle |
| Help researchers in submission | Most RECs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Application formalities | Also members | Secretariat mainly | Secretariat mainly | Secretariat mainly |
aPrivate RECs different.