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What does the NIH mean by "same research protocol"?

Question: 
What does the NIH mean by "same research protocol"?
Answer: 

Protocols that address the same research questions, involve the same methodologies, and evaluate the same outcomes are considered by the NIH to be the “same research protocol,” even when variations due to local (research site) context exist.  Per the NIH sIRB guidelines, non-exempt multi-site studies utilizing the same research protocol at each domestic (U.S) site are subject to sIRB regulations.

~ Definition paraphrased from the University of Washington.