The Law and Ethics of Psychosocial Research on AIDS

I. General Issues in the Law and Ethics of Psychosocial Research ... A. The Nature of the Issues ... B. The Ethical and Legal Framework II. The Nature and Epidemiology of AIDS ... A. Factors Contributing to the Sensitivity of Research on AIDS ... B. Recent Developments in Knowledge about AIDS ... C. The Significance of Psychosocial Research on AIDS III. Special Problems in Psychosocial Research on AIDS ... A . Privacy ... 1. Intrusiveness ... 2. Confidentiality ... B. Reporting the Results IV. The Adequacy of Legal Protection of Confidentiality ... A. Legally Sanctioned Encroachments on Confidentiality ... B. Legal Means of Protecting Confidentiality ... 1. Statutory Protection of Confidentiality ... 2. Judicial Protection of Confidentiality ... 3. Administrative Protection of Confidentiality ... V. The Need for Legal Reform Appendix. Composite Guidelines for Informed Consent to Psychosocial Research on AIDS