PHIG Policy Framework v1.2 · Policy 48 · Adopted 1 September 2026 · References: 42 CFR Part 93 (Public Health Service Policies on Research Misconduct, as revised 2024); complements Policy 04 (ALLEA code)
1. Purpose and scope
PHS-funded research requires written procedures for responding to allegations of research misconduct consistent with 42 CFR Part 93. These procedures implement the Code of Ethics and Research Integrity for that purpose and apply to all research of PHIG. Applies to the Board, the Director, staff, consultants, volunteers, experts, partners and suppliers of PHIG and all platforms of its network.
2. Policy
- Research misconduct means fabrication, falsification or plagiarism in proposing, performing or reviewing research, or in reporting research results; it does not include honest error or differences of opinion; a finding requires a significant departure from accepted practices, committed intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, proven by a preponderance of the evidence.
- The Director serves as Research Integrity Officer (RIO); where the Director is the respondent, the Chair designates another Board member; the Chair is the Deciding Official.
- Allegations are received in confidence; an assessment determines within 30 days whether the allegation falls within the definition and is sufficiently credible and specific; if so, an inquiry is conducted.
- Inquiry: research records secured promptly; the respondent notified; an inquiry committee free of conflict gathers information; a written report within 60 days states whether an investigation is warranted; the respondent may comment; the report is retained for seven years.
- Investigation: begins within 30 days of the inquiry’s conclusion; a committee with the necessary expertise interviews complainant, respondent and witnesses, examines evidence, and produces a draft report within 120 days; the respondent receives it and may respond within 30 days; the final report states findings, basis and recommended actions.
- Decision by the Deciding Official; actions may include correction or retraction, removal from the project, termination and notification of journals, funders and institutions; appeal to the Board within 30 days.
- For PHS-funded research, PHIG notifies the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) when an investigation is opened, provides the inquiry and investigation reports, and takes interim action to protect PHS funds and human subjects as required; it cooperates with ORI and HHS.
- Complainants acting in good faith and witnesses are protected from retaliation; the respondent’s reputation is protected where allegations are not substantiated.
Responsibilities
RIO; Deciding Official; Board.
Review
Every three years and when 42 CFR 93 changes.
Part of the PHIG Policy Framework. Breaches and concerns may be reported under the Whistleblowing Procedure to info@accreditation.ge (subject “Confidential — integrity”).