Your Rights as a Clinical Trial Participant
Before you enroll in any clinical trial, you will be asked to sign an informed consent form. This document is not just a formality — it is a legal and ethical commitment that your rights as a participant will be protected throughout the study.
The Right to Full Information
You have the right to receive complete, accurate, and understandable information about the study before you decide to participate. This includes the purpose of the study, what procedures will be performed, the potential risks and benefits, alternative treatments available to you, and how your personal information will be protected.
If any information is unclear, you have the right to ask questions — and to receive answers in plain language, not medical jargon.
The Right to Voluntary Participation
Participation in any clinical trial is entirely voluntary. No one can pressure, coerce, or incentivize you in a way that compromises your free choice. You should never feel that your access to medical care depends on your decision to participate in research.
The Right to Withdraw
You may withdraw from a study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of any benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. Your decision to withdraw will not affect your relationship with your healthcare provider or your access to standard medical care.
The Right to Privacy
Your personal health information is protected by federal law (HIPAA) and by the study's privacy protocols. Your identity will never be disclosed in any publications or reports arising from the study. Data is coded and de-identified before any analysis or reporting.
The Right to Independent Review
Every clinical trial conducted at DMV Clinical Trials is reviewed and approved by an independent Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB is an independent committee of medical professionals, ethicists, and community members whose sole purpose is to protect the rights and welfare of research participants. The IRB reviews the study protocol, the informed consent form, and any changes to the study during its conduct.
The Right to Ongoing Information
If new information emerges during the study that might affect your willingness to continue participating, you will be informed immediately and given the opportunity to reconsider your participation.
Questions to Ask Before You Enroll
Before signing any consent form, we encourage you to ask the following questions:
- What is the purpose of this study?
- What will I be asked to do, and how often?
- What are the known risks?
- What are the potential benefits to me personally?
- What happens if I am injured during the study?
- Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?
- Can I see my own medical data from the study?
Our team is always available to answer these questions — before, during, and after your participation.
