My current location: , | Change location

ABA Family Legal Guide

Health-Care Law

Regulating Health-Care Professionals

Research on Humans

How is medical research regulated?

Congress enacted the National Research Act in 1974 to protect the public when taking part in medical research and experiments. The act does not mean that doctors cannot experiment on you. Rather, the National Research Act set up standards for research on humans that must be followed if the researchers want to receive federal funds for their programs. These standards require the following:

  • That you give informed consent to take part in experimental treatment. This means that the doctors must tell you about the procedure and the risks, side effects, and benefits associated with it. They must also tell you about any alternative procedures available to you.
  • That you volunteer to take part in the research. Your doctor cannot force you or pressure you into being part of an experiment.
    • American Bar Association Family Legal Guide
    Copyright © 2004 American Bar Association
    Prev FAQ Next FAQ

    FAQs

    More

    Find a Lawyer

    Legal Issue
    Location

    FindLaw for the Public - Forms

    ABA Family Legal Guide

    Editors' Picks

    Bookshelf

    Full-text books you can read for free online:

    See All Bookshelf Titles