In order to fulfill its task, the Lyon-C institutional review board (CCPPRB) developped standards for the evaluation of clinical research protocols. This check-list envisages 1- the mandatory documents in the absence of which the protocol will not be considered, 2- scientific quality standards, 3- ethical quality standards. An agreement on the use of such standards in France might improve the functioning of institutional review boards (CCPPRB) and the quality of clinical research.