The Common Rule

The Common Rule is a set of regulations in the United States that govern how scientific research involving people is conducted to ensure their safety and rights. It requires researchers to obtain informed consent from participants, meaning they fully understand the study and agree to take part. The rule also mandates review by ethics boards called Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to protect participants from harm and ensure the research is conducted responsibly. Overall, the Common Rule helps promote ethical standards and protect individuals involved in research while allowing valuable scientific advancements.