New Marching Orders

doi:10.1126/science.284.5415.721a

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ScienceScope

Chastened by an inquiry that uncovered multiple violations of its code of research ethics, the Veterans Administration (VA) is adopting a new plan to ensure that its clinical studies follow orders. VA undersecretary for health Kenneth Kizer told Congress last week that the agency's research centers will soon undergo review and accreditation from a new independent authority. Once established, the agency might also act to protect patients' rights at all federal facilities and even private clinics, according to government officials.

The decision follows the VA's shutdown last month of research at its West Los Angeles Medical Center, prompted by the discovery that a cardiologist had performed an invasive research procedure on a patient who had refused consent (Science, 2 April, p. 18). To prevent future lapses, Kizer told members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee on 21 April that he is creating a new headquarters office to enforce guidelines. And to fill a "vacuum" in monitoring human studies, he says the VA will hire a private group to certify, every 3 years, that patient safeguards are in place at research institutions.