10. Vulnerable Populations

The DoD requires that pregnant women/fetuses/neonates, prisoners, and children have the protections of the Common Rule subparts B, C, and D. (45 C.F.R. part 46) There are also protections for the cognitively impaired, those with mental illness or physical disabilities, or other circumstances that may require special protection.

In addition to the vulnerable populations with which researchers may be familiar, the Navy also includes severely ill patients, employer/employee, student/teacher, supervisor/subordinate, and deployed personnel as among the groups that may require additional protection. (SECNAVINST 3900.39D November 6, 2006 – 6. Policy (a)(6) Vulnerability and Additional Protections)