The effect of Right 7(4) of the current Code of Health and Disability Service Consumers’ Rights (the Code) is that research with participants who cannot give informed consent cannot proceed unless the research is in the best interests of the participants.

Frequently the outcome from the research is uncertain so it is difficult to know whether the participants will be better off participating in the research, than not participating. However such research might provide important information of benefit to others.

NZNO welcomes your feedback to help the HDC determine whether there is a need to change this legislation. Are New Zealand’s current laws regarding non-consensual research appropriate? If not, how should they be amended?

The consultation document  and submission form are available here: http://www.hdc.org.nz/the-act--code/right-7(4)-consultation

Feedback due: Please send feedback to marilynh@nzno.org.nz  by 21 April 2017