I researched this question a few years ago. Here are my two favorite responses (from memory):

IRB administrator at a US university: "We do not have a written policy forbidding recruitment bonuses, we just deny the requests on a case-by-case basis."

Application form of Canadian University IRB: "Whilst the university does not have a policy specifically proscribing recuitment bonuses, please share with the IRB how you intend to explain the bonus payments to the subjects you hope to enroll in the study."

Cheers

Bob Bienkowski

--
Robert S Bienkowski, PhD
xxxxxx@att.net

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Hal Gollos <xxxxxx@GWU.EDU>
> Good Afternoon Everyone:
>
>
>
> I have a question I would like to put out to the group.
>
>
>
> Recently one of our faculty at the medical school submitted a modification
> from a pharmaceutical company we currently have a contract with which would
> provide an additional $2,000 for every human subjected recruited during a 20
> day period.  This is clearly a recruiting incentive as there has been no
> increase in costs associated with the study.  Since we have not seen a
> modification like this previously we consulted with our Associate Vice
> President for Health Research at the med school to get her take on this.
> She told us it is the med school's position not to agree with such financial
> incentives.  In addition I spoke with a representative of an institution I
> was previously associated with and they do not accept this type of incentive
> as well.
>
>
>
> My question to the list is for those of you who participate in clinical
> trials is it your practice to accept financial incentives from
> pharmaceutical companies for expedited patient recruitment?  If so, how do
> you ensure subjects are not being recruited for the sake of receiving these
> incentives?  If your institution's position is not to accept these
> incentives would you please let me know.  Also, if you have a printed policy
> which addresses not accepting these types of incentives would you please
> guide me to your policy?
>
>
>
> You can reply to me directly at xxxxxx@gwu.edu.
>
>
>
> Thank you in advance for your response.
>
>
>
> Hal Gollos
>
>
>
> *******************************************************
>
> Harold M. Gollos
>
> Managing Director, Research Support & Analysis
>
> Office of the Chief Research Officer
>
> The George Washington University
>
> 2121 I Street, NW, Suite 601
>
> Washington, DC  20052
>
>
>
> 202-994-0896 (v)
>
> 202-994-9137 (f)
>
> xxxxxx@gwu.edu
>
> *******************************************************
>
>
>
>
>
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