Payments to Human Subject Participants

Research studies may involve the compensation of participants for their time, commitment or expenses such as travel and parking to participate in the research study. 

The IRB will review all proposed payments at the time of initial study or amendment review to ensure that the proposal is appropriate and not coercive. The consent form must reflect whether or not the participant will receive some form of compensation for participation. Once the compensation proposal is approved by the IRB, the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) can establish an account for the study. OSP has detailed guidelines on how to make payments to research participants and manage these accounts.

• HRPP Policy on Recruiting Methods, Recruitment Materials, and Participant Compensation 
• OSP: Managing Research Subject Payments 
• FDA: 21 CFR 50 
• HHS: OHRP Informed Consent Frequently Asked Questions