ethical issues in human subjects research have received
increasing attention over the last 50 years. Institutional
Review Boards for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB's) have
been established at most institutions that undertake research
with humans. These committees are made up of scientists,
clinical faculty, and administrators who review research
according to the procedures set out in the Federal Regulations
at 45 CFR 46. What are the main ethical issues in human subjects
research? There are several ethical issues that must be
considered when designing research that will utilize
participants who are human beings. - The primary concern of the
investigator should be the safety of the research participant.
This is accomplished by carefully considering the risk/benefit
ratio, using all available information to make an appropriate
assessment and continually monitoring the research as it
proceeds. - The scientific investigator must obtain informed
consent from each research participant. This should be obtaine