Are institutions encouraged to create policies that simply restate regulations?

Institutions are encouraged to create policies that do more than just restate existing regulations because effective policies should provide more detailed guidance tailored to the specific needs and context of the institution. While it is important to ensure that policies align with regulations, mere restatement may not address the unique challenges and ethical considerations that may arise in specific research contexts.

By offering comprehensive guidance, institutions can facilitate a better understanding of how to apply the regulations in practice, help researchers navigate complex ethical issues, and ensure that both ethical and regulatory standards are met effectively. This approach fosters a culture of ethical research conduct, as it not only reinforces compliance with regulations but also empowers researchers with the tools and knowledge they need to conduct their work responsibly.

Simply restating regulations doesn’t provide the necessary detail or support for researchers, which is essential for protecting human subjects and upholding the integrity of the research process. Such policies should encompass additional resources, explanations, or interpretations that make compliance easier and research more ethically sound.