Final answer:
To use protected health information without authorization for research, a waiver needs to be approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB ensures the safety and ethical treatment of research participants.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to use protected health information without authorization for research purposes, a waiver needs to be approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB is an oversight committee that ensures the safety and ethical treatment of human subjects in research studies. The IRB reviews and approves all planned studies in advance, and mandates key protections such as minimizing risks to participants and obtaining informed consent.