Research Volunteer Bill of Rights
As you think about joining a research study, you should know your rights as a volunteer.
As a research participant, you have a right to:
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Understand what is being studied and why it is being studied
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Understand what you will be asked to do and what to expect the research team to do if you join the study
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Understand any risks, side effects, or discomforts that you might expect if you join the study
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Understand possible benefits of joining the study
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Know if and how you might be paid for your time
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Know if you might have to pay for anything as part of the study (for example, co-pays for doctor visits or parking for study visits)
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Understand whether any medicines, treatments, or devices used in the study are different from usual care one might receive
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Ask any questions and receive answers from the research team before consenting or agreeing to join the study
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Take your time deciding whether you want to join the study
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Know about treatment and care available if you experience side effects during the study
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Receive a signed and dated copy of the consent agreement both you and the study team sign when you join a study
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Know about major changes to the study that impact you after you join
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Quit the study at any time, and have the help of the study team to safely stop any treatments or medicines
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Freely choose whether or not you join a study, without feeling like you should or have to join