Which of the following is true about preparedness for publicly declared emergencies?

• A. Institutions should develop preparedness plans for how to review research during public declared emergencies.
• B. All emergency procedures automatically extend after the emergency ends.
• C. No exceptions to TCPS 2 procedures can occur during emergencies.
• D. Exceptional procedures remain in force only as long as the emergency continues.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that institutions must be prepared to keep ethical oversight of research during publicly declared emergencies by having predefined plans for how reviews will be handled in those conditions. This strengthens participant protection when normal review processes are strained or disrupted.

Preparedness plans outline how proposals, amendments, and ongoing studies will be reviewed during an emergency, including who reviews, what documents are needed, and how protections for participants are maintained. This proactive approach ensures there’s a clear path for ethical review even when circumstances change rapidly.

The other statements drift from that practical readiness: emergency procedures aren’t meant to be automatic extensions beyond the emergency, nor are exceptions categorically forbidden. The emphasis is on having a planned framework to manage review during emergencies, which is why the preparedness plan option is the best fit.