21 NCAC 63 .0508             PURSUIT OF RESEARCH AND SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES

In planning, conducting, and reporting a study with human subjects, the social worker acting as an investigator shall evaluate the ethical acceptability in accordance with this Rule. To the extent that this evaluation, weighing scientific and humane values, suggests a compromise of ethical principles, the investigator shall protect the rights of the research participants.

(1)           Social workers shall obtain authorization from administrative superiors and clients who agree to be subjects in the study. Social workers shall also acknowledge any other persons who contribute in a scholarly manner to their research in any reports concerning their research, whether published or unpublished.

(2)           The social worker acting as an investigator shall establish with the research participant an agreement clarifying each person's roles and responsibilities.

(3)           The rights of an individual to decline to participate in or withdraw from the research shall be respected and the participant shall not be penalized for such action.

(4)           The social worker acting as an investigator shall give the individual information about the manner in which the research may affect the individual, in order for the individual to give his or her informed consent for participation in the study.

(5)           Identifying information obtained about the participant during the course of the study shall be confidential unless informed consent for release of information is obtained in advance.

(6)           Research findings shall be presented accurately. Social workers shall not distort or misrepresent research.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90B-6; 90B-11;

Eff. March 1, 1994;

Temporary Amendment Eff. October 1, 1999;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2001;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. September 19, 2015;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2021.