Question

When reviewing federally supported research involving prisoners, an IRB must have at least the following member, in addition to the standard requirements for IRBs to ensure that the prisoners' perspective is represented:
A. One member who is a health care provider at the local guards, wardens or parole offices
B. Two men who are currently prisoner guards, wardens or parole officers
C. One member who is a prisoner or a prisoner representative
D. Two members who are employed by the federal penal system

Answer 1

Answer: C

Explanation: In 2003, the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections asked its Subcommittee to review and address a list of issues involving prisioners. One of the issues was about  IRBs searching for persons who can be an effective voice for prisoners within the IRB; that is to say, an appropriate prisoner representative, which might include family members of prisoners or former prisoners.