Can researchers administer or dispense medications to human subjects?

Researchers can administer or dispense medications to human subjects if they are properly authorized to do so. This authorization typically comes from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or other regulatory bodies that oversee the conduct of research involving human subjects. The authorization ensures that the research activities comply with ethical guidelines and legal requirements.

In many cases, this authorization comes in the form of approvals for specific clinical trials, where researchers need to administer investigational drugs as part of their study. The key aspect is that the researchers must follow established protocols and guidelines, ensuring that the rights and welfare of the participants are protected.

Option A, which states that it is completely prohibited, fails to acknowledge the structured environment under which researchers can operate. Option C suggests that administration is limited only to clinical trials, which is a narrow viewpoint; while most administrations occur within clinical trials, researchers might also dispense medications under other forms of authorized study. Option D implies that a pharmacist must always be present, which is not necessarily true if the researchers have the appropriate credentials and authority to handle medications per the regulations and guidelines under which they are operating.