National Statement on Ethical
Conduct in Research Involving Humans
Part 5 - Research Involving Persons with an Intellectual or Mental Impairment
5.1 When considering approval of research involving persons with an intellectual or mental impairment, an HREC should weigh the potential benefits against risks and undue burden.
5.2 Consent to participation in research by a person with an intellectual or mental impairment must be obtained from:
(a) the person with the intellectual or mental impairment whenever the person is of sufficient competence and, where the impairment is temporary or recurrent, at a time when the impairment does not prevent the person giving or refusing consent; or, failing that,
(b) the person's guardian, or an authority or other organisation or person having that responsibility at law.
5.3 A Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) must not approve, and consent cannot be given for, research which is contrary to the best interests of the person with the intellectual or mental impairment.
5.4 Refusal by a person with an intellectual or mental impairment to participate in research must be respected.
[Preamble] [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6]
[Part 7] [Part 8] [Part 9] [Part 10] [Part 11] [Part 12] [Part 13]
[Part 14] [Part 15] [Part 16] [Part 17] [Part 18] [Part 19]
[Appendix 1] [Appendix 2] [Appendix 3]