If a staff member has had QA responsibility for a study, what restriction applies to their later work?

• A. They cannot subsequently work on raw data, the study file, or the reporting procedures
• B. They must immediately train others in QA practices
• C. They must be promoted to QA supervisor
• D. They may freely work on any part of the study without restrictions

Answer: (A)

Objectivity and independence between QA roles and later study work are essential for credible quality assurance. When someone has QA responsibility for a study, their later involvement in the raw data, the study file, or the reporting procedures could create a conflict of interest or the appearance of bias. That risk undermines the trust in QA findings and the integrity of the data. To preserve impartial review, that person should not participate in those aspects after serving in QA. This separation helps ensure QA conclusions remain objective and credible. Training others, being promoted to QA supervision, or working freely on any part of the study do not address this need for independence and could compromise QA integrity, which is why the specified restriction is the appropriate one.