When federally supported research involves prisoners, what unique member must the IRB include?

When federally supported research involves prisoners, it is essential to have one member on the Institutional Review Board (IRB) who is either a prisoner or a prisoner representative. This requirement aims to ensure that the voices, concerns, and rights of those who are incarcerated are adequately represented during the review process. Including a prisoner or a representative allows the IRB to consider the unique ethical and practical implications of conducting research in a correctional setting, such as the ability to provide informed consent without coercion, the risks involved, and the overall welfare of the prisoner population.

The inclusion of this member helps to safeguard the interests of prisoners, who may be a vulnerable population with limited autonomy. This aligns with ethical standards in research to protect the rights and welfare of all research participants, particularly those who may have less negotiating power. Having a representative from the prisoner group enriches the IRB's perspectives and ensures that their decisions reflect the specific needs and rights of individuals in the prison system.