Renown Health Becomes Nevada’s Only AAHRPP-Accredited Health System
January 29, 2026
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.
Today, Renown Health released its 2027-2029 Community Health Implementation Strategy, outlining how the health system will work alongside community partners to address the most pressing health needs identified through the 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Additionally, applications are now open for Renown's 2027 grant cycle. As northern Nevada's largest independent, locally owned not-for-profit academic health system, Renown Health reinvests 100% of its profits back into programs, services and partnerships that improve community health.
"The Community Health Needs Assessment helped us understand where our community faces the greatest challenges and opportunities," said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. "Our implementation strategy represents our commitment to action. Through collaboration, investment and measurable goals, we will continue working alongside community partners to improve health outcomes across northern Nevada. As a not-for-profit academic health system, this work is imperative to our commitment to improving our community's health and ensuring our resources are directed toward areas of greatest need.”
The three-year strategy focuses on four priority areas identified through the CHNA: mental health, access to health services, economic stability, and health risk behaviors and early detection. To support implementation of these priorities, Renown is opening applications for community funding opportunities designed to advance local solutions to identified health needs.
The 2027-2029 Community Health implementation strategy is available here.
Expanding not-for-profit mission by providing essential and advanced care to the community with primary care, urgent care, medical specialists, pharmacy, imaging and lab beginning in December 2027.
Renown Health today celebrated the opening of a new Endoscopy Lab and expanded Pre/Post Procedure Unit at Renown Regional Medical Center, increasing access to specialized care and supporting the growing needs of patients across northern Nevada.
