What is the purpose of the Common Rule?

The purpose of the Common Rule primarily revolves around outlining provisions for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). It establishes the framework for conducting ethical research involving human subjects by defining what constitutes an IRB, its functions, and the responsibilities it carries in reviewing research proposals. The Common Rule mandates that any research funded by the federal government must receive ethical review, ensuring that policies are in place to protect the rights and welfare of participants.

While the Common Rule does include elements related to ethical research principles, confidentiality, and the standards for educational research, its core function is to regulate the structure and operation of IRBs, thus ensuring that these boards effectively oversee the ethical conduct of research.