Under what condition is it permissible for an institution to overrule an IRB’s decision?

An institution is allowed to overrule an Institutional Review Board (IRB) decision primarily due to legal implications for the institution. If a study poses potential legal risks or violates laws or regulations that could jeopardize the institution’s operations, reputation, or compliance status, the institution may intervene. This is essential for ensuring that the institution is protected from legal consequences that could arise from proceeding with a study that the IRB has disapproved.

In this scenario, the agency's duty to uphold legality and compliance can supersede the IRB's recommendations, especially when failing to act could result in significant legal repercussions. It is critical for institutions to balance ethical considerations with their legal obligations and responsibilities.

The other conditions mentioned may involve ethical dilemmas or financial interests, but they do not provide a solid legal basis for overruling an IRB’s decision. While financial conflicts and ethical conflicts should be managed and addressed through IRB review processes, they typically do not grant the institution authority to disregard the IRB's guidance based solely on those factors.