Research ethics boards: The protection of human subjects
2006

Should Society Allow Research Ethics Boards to Be Run As For-Profit Enterprises?

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Lestou V. S., Ondrusek N., Blajchman M. A.

Primary Institution: Institutional Review Board Services, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Conclusion

The focus should be on the ethical standards and performance of IRBs rather than whether their members are paid.

Supporting Evidence

  • IRB members are often paid for their expertise, regardless of the type of IRB.
  • Respected IRBs are complex bodies with diverse and qualified members.
  • The real challenges for IRBs include the complexity of biomedical research and lack of resources.

Takeaway

This article discusses whether it's okay for research ethics boards to make money. It says we should worry more about how well they do their job than if they get paid.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.0030472

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