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.
Sandeep Randhawa Named by Becker's Healthcare as One of Nation's Chief People Officers to Know
Renown Health is proud to announce that Sandeep Randhawa, MSA, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s national list of “Chief People Officer to Know for 2026.” This recognition highlights 140 chief human resources officers and chief people officers who are instrumental in shaping the workforce strategies that power hospitals and health systems.
Dr. Bill Plauth of Renown Health Recognized by Becker’s as a “Chief Medical Officer” to Know For 2026
Renown Health is proud to announce that Bill Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s national list of “Chief Medical Officers to Know for 2026.” This recognition highlights 252 physician leaders across the country who are driving clinical excellence, advancing quality and safety and shaping the future of healthcare delivery.
Chris Nicholas Appointed to American Hospital Association Regional Board
Chris Nicholas, MHA, FACHE, CEO of Renown Regional Medical Center and COO of Renown Health will serve as a Nevada state delegate to American Hospital Association (AHA) Regional Policy Board 9.
The AHA is the national nonprofit organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, health care networks and their patients and communities. AHA regional policy boards are part of the AHA’s formal governance structure. The organization uses regional recommendations to inform national health policy development. Regional policy boards meet three times annually.
The Nevada Hospital Association (NHA) appointed Nicholas to a two-year term through December 31, 2027.
