Definitions

Allegation of Noncompliance: An unproven assertion of noncompliance.

IBC Noncompliance: Violation of University policy or noncompliance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines), the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), the Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, the CDPH Medical Waste Management Act, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws or regulations governing the use of biohazardous materials and recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules.

Whistleblowing: A report of improper activities, including any activity by UC or a UC employee that violates any state or federal law or regulation (e.g., corruption, malfeasance, bribery, theft or misuse of government property, fraud, coercion or conversion); or involves economic waste, gross misconduct, gross incompetence or gross inefficiency; or poses a significant threat to the health or safety of employees or the public. UCLA encourages reporting suspected improper activities and will protect the person reporting these activities from retaliation for whistleblowing. For additional information, please visit www.compliance.ucla.edu.

Who May Report

Any person, including any University employee, student, volunteer, or member of the general public, may report concerns involving the use of biohazardous materials and/or recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules at UCLA. Such concerns may be reported anonymously. If the complainant identifies him/herself, protection of his/her identity will be maintained to the extent possible within the legitimate needs of law and the investigation.

How to Report

Reports are encouraged to be made in writing so as to assure a clear understanding of the issues raised; however, verbal reports will also be accepted. Such reports should contain as much specific, factual information as possible to allow for a full investigation and proper assessment of the nature, extent, and urgency of the concern. Information should include, but need not be limited to, the nature, date, time, and location of the occurrence; the person(s) against whom the allegation is being made; and any supporting documentation.

Whom to Contact

Any allegations of non-compliance or unsafe working conditions may be made to the IBC Chairperson, any member of the IBC, the Office of Research Administration - IBC (ORA-IBC), the Biosafety Officer, or the UCLA Compliance Office. In all instances, allegations shall be immediately forwarded to the IBC Chair who will marshal resources to initiate an investigation of the allegations. If credible, the allegations and resulting investigations will be brought to the full IBC for discussion and resolution.

Confidentiality

Details pertaining to an investigation in progress remain confidential to the extent possible to protect all concerned; however, when the IBC releases the final report of its findings to federal regulatory agencies, those reports may become accessible to the public under the Freedom of Information Act.

Approved 7/17/14; Updated 1/19/2022