

The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) has accredited Renown Health, recognizing it for ethical and high-quality research. Renown is the only health system in Nevada and one of just 63 institutions nationwide to earn this designation.
AAHRPP accreditation confirms that Renown’s Clinical Research program meets rigorous national and international standards for participant safety, ethical oversight and research quality. The accreditation process included a thorough review of policies, procedures and practices to ensure the highest level of compliance and protection for research participants.

“This accreditation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our research teams,” said Kristen Gurnea, Director of Clinical Research at Renown Health. “It assures patients, families and community partners that every study we conduct prioritizes safety, ethics and quality. I am grateful to our entire team for their hard work, which enables us to expand collaborative research, bring new treatments closer to home, and maintain the highest level of trust with those who participate in our studies.”
Strengthening Partnerships and Innovation
The designation also strengthens Renown’s collaboration with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, supporting joint clinical studies and advancing medical innovation in northern Nevada. “The AAHRPP accreditation highlights the strength and integrity of the historic affiliation between Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine,” said Dr. Paul J. Hauptman, Chief Academic Officer at Renown and Dean of UNR Med. “It demonstrates that our joint research programs not only meet the highest ethical and regulatory standards but also provide meaningful opportunities for innovation that directly benefit our patients and the broader community.”
Learn More About Clinical Research at Renown
Renown Health offers a wide range of clinical research opportunities across specialties, including cardiology, oncology, pulmonology, and neurology. Participating in clinical research allows patients to access leading-edge treatments and therapies that may not be widely available, while contributing to advancements in medical science.
In addition to patient-focused studies, Renown collaborates closely with UNR Med to design and implement innovative translational research studies that bring cutting edge ideas to the bedside. These partnerships strengthen the region’s medical research infrastructure, foster professional development for healthcare providers and accelerate discoveries that improve patient care locally and beyond.
To explore current clinical trials, learn about eligibility or partner with Renown’s research teams, visit renown.org/research.
About Renown Health
Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated academic healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers.
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