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The institution utilizes a set of principle and guidelines, known as The Belmont Report, with regard to protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects taking part in research which is available at https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/belmont-report/index.html.
The Belmont Report was published by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research in 1974 and is a fundamental set of ethical principles or guidelines for those conducting research with human participants (National Commission, 1979). The report defines the distinctions between research and practice and identifies and defines guiding principles of ethical conduct and how these are applied in practice. Three fundamental principles frame the ethics of research: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice (DHHS, n.d.)
Respect for persons. Two issues are related to this conviction: Individuals are uniquely autonomous and as such, entitled to the protection afforded their individuality. This requires acknowledgment and protection of these rights.
Beneficence. This conviction extends the first two by ensuring an individual’s well-being is priority as “understood to cover acts of kindness or charity that go beyond strict obligation” (National Commission, 1979). The practicing action does no harm and maximizes potential benefits while minimizing possible harms.
Justice. This concept is an aspect of equality or fairness with respect to individual rights which should not be denied without defining a good reason. Fair and equitable treatment considers an equal share, individual need, effort, societal contribution, and merit.
The resulting application of these principles is demonstrated when using informed consent, completing a risk/benefit analysis, and during the selection of subjects.
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