A key initiative under ACTRI’s QA program is the Consortium for Applied Research Ethics Quality (CARE-Q). This groundbreaking program, developed in collaboration with UC BRAID, Stanford University, and UC San Diego, serves as a peer-driven IRB quality assurance model. CARE-Q helps IRBs implement uniform quality assessment procedures, ensuring compliance with national research ethics regulations. 

The development of CARE-Q was informed by an extensive survey of CTSA hubs and affiliate institutions, highlighting the demand for an affordable yet comprehensive QA framework. The program has successfully piloted IRB quality assurance procedures, leading to widespread adoption across various institutions.