OHRP Generally Conducted Its Compliance Activities Independently, But Changes Would Strengthen Its Independence

Protecting the rights of human subjects-individuals who volunteer to participate in research-is critical to ensuring their safety and public confidence in research conducted or supported by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). OHRP enforces compliance with HHS regulations for protecting human subjects. Congress and others have raised questions about OHRP's independence, and Congress requested that OIG review OHRP procedures and make recommendations to strengthen protections for human subjects and ensure OHRP's independence.