The Belmont Report example about burdens of serving as subjects falling on poor ward patients and benefits flowing to private patients illustrates a violation of which Belmont principle?

The Belmont Report example about burdens of serving as subjects falling on poor ward patients and benefits flowing to private patients illustrates a violation of which Belmont principle?

• A. Justice
• B. Respect for Persons
• C. Beneficence
• D. Nonmaleficence

Answer: (D)

Nonmaleficence is about not causing harm and minimizing risks to participants. In this example, the burdens of participating fall on poor ward patients while the benefits go to private patients, meaning vulnerable individuals are exposed to harm or unnecessary burdens without a corresponding benefit to them. That failure to protect subjects from harm fits the obligation of nonmaleficence. (Note: concerns about unfair distribution of burdens and benefits touch on justice, but the scenario centers on avoiding harm to participants.)

Nonmaleficence is about not causing harm and minimizing risks to participants. In this example, the burdens of participating fall on poor ward patients while the benefits go to private patients, meaning vulnerable individuals are exposed to harm or unnecessary burdens without a corresponding benefit to them. That failure to protect subjects from harm fits the obligation of nonmaleficence. (Note: concerns about unfair distribution of burdens and benefits touch on justice, but the scenario centers on avoiding harm to participants.)