RITHIM Launches January 1, 2022
Research Improvements Through Harmonization In Manitoba (RITHIM) is beginning its launch on January 1, 2022.
An important first step to launching RITHIM are amendments to the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), which will be proclaimed on January 1, 2022, and enable:
Formal implementation of the RITHIM program
Establishment of the Provincial Health Research Privacy Committee (PHRPC) as the authority to provide approval for research projects requesting USE of personal health information however held by any Manitoba trustee, including by government or government agency
Establishment of the Committee for Harmonized Health Impact, Ethics and Privacy Review (CHIPER) to approve research projects requiring privacy review prior to PHPRC decision
About Us
RITHIM is a provincial initiative involving multiple stakeholders to improve time-to-conduct for health research in Manitoba.
RITHIM is unique across Canada in that it will harmonize ethics, privacy and institutional impact review processes, creating a more efficient process for health research reviews in Manitoba.
January 1st, 2022 is a key milestone and important step for the RITHIM program, as the PHIA amendments that enable the new harmonized process will be proclaimed.
Our Principles
Harmonization
Through frequent consultations with community stakeholders, we seek to support the research community in Manitoba by reducing application complexity through the creation of a new online system.
Many complex applications become one.
Privacy
The privacy and security of research data and personal health information is vital to protect.
The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) amendments bring a NEW REQUIREMENT for researchers. Effective January 1, 2022, the Provincial Health Research Privacy Committee (PHRPC), administered through RITHIM, is the ONLY committee that has authority to provide approval for research projects requesting USE of personal health information however held by any trustee, including by government or government agency.
Engagement
Through ongoing engagement with local, national and international partners focused on health research ethics and privacy, we aim to continuously improve and support Manitoba's research community.
Transparency
RITHIM will provide transparency through the tracking of applications in the new electronic system and through regular reporting on CHIPER activities and the system. We will review our policies and guidelines to ensure that RITHIM remains flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the research community in Manitoba.
