Federal regulations and the various codes of ethics governing human subject research require that no "undue inducements" be offered potential research subjects in order to secure their participation in a study. To comply, the CPHS has adopted the following guidelines regarding payments to subjects:

• Subjects should not incur additional financial burdens as a result of participation in a research activity.
• Subjects should not be induced to participate in research primarily by the prospect of financial gain.
• Investigators who plan to provide any payment/reimbursement to subjects for any reason must inform the CPHS of this plan and CPHS must approve the proposal.

Compensation to control subjects:
There must be equality in compensation for completion of research activities whether patients, controls or active participants.

Reimbursement for expenses:
An investigator may offer to reimburse subjects for any expenses incurred as a result of their participation in a study. This payment may include reimbursement for such items as transportation to and from the research site, parking, meals and baby sitter services.

Compensation for time commitment:
An investigator may offer reimbursement for time expended by subjects participating in a research activity in keeping with the CPHS belief that a subject should be able to volunteer without incurring undue burdens such as lost wages. A range of $10 to $15 per hour is acceptable.

Compensation for inconvenience and/or discomfort:
In rare instances and only if the study presents minimal risk, compensation for considerable inconvenience and/or discomfort will be authorized. If the investigator is unable to recruit subjects for an approved research activity, the CPHS may work jointly with the investigator to establish a proper compensatory payment.

Compensation for significant risk or excessive pain and/or discomfort:
CPHS will not allow monetary inducements to be utilized to recruit subjects for studies involving significant risk or excessive pain or discomfort; e.g. renal biopsy, cardiac or major blood vessel catheterization, bone marrow biopsy, or exposure to ionizing radiation.

If you have any questions concerning payment of research subjects, please contact the office of the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects at 713-500-7942.