Panel tightens rules on mental disorders
Marshall, E.
Science 282(5394): 1617
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 9867656 Document Number: 484465
A National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC) report on research on mental patients has come under attack. The commission, which 15 months ago decided to "clarify the ethical framework" for such research, recommends 20 measures to protect mental patients from exposure to risk in clinical trials. Clinical researchers are alarmed at some of NBAC's recommendations, especially one suggesting that an independent, qualified professional should appraise the competence of a subject in any study posing greater than minimal risk. Constance Lieber, president of the nonprofit advocacy group National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, believes the NBAC's plan would impede research without helping patients. The report will go to the interagency National Science and Technology Council and then to 17 federal departments that may have to enforce the proposals.