Specific advocate guidelines are needed for the protection of children in state custody who are potential research subjects in trials that would expose them to greater-than-minimal risk but also hold the prospect of direct benefit.
An explanation of the legal origin of informed consent, the key court decisions in establishing the principle of consent to treatment, and the knowledge of risks and benefits necessary to “inform” the consent process adequately.
The ongoing anthrax vaccination case, Doe v Rumsfeld, tests whether the military can require participation in and punish refusal of a vaccination program while waiving informed consent.
Luc Aston, a resident, tests positive for tuberculosis. Commentary discusses his ethical responsibility to get treatment. Parveen Parmar, MD, writes that Luc has the privilege of being a physician only so long as he protects the health of his patients.