Report of panel on cost containment, informed consent, and outcome accountability: An ethical dilemma

There are both ethical and financial imperatives to reduce costs. The question lies in whether such activities fall within the established conditions of research and are responsible for following ethical norms and federal codes. Regardless of the actor or motivation, perhaps the bottom line is that when in doubt the benefit needs to go to the patient. Under circumstances of such doubt, cost containment initiatives should follow the well-described processes for research and incorporate the twin hallmarks of oversight and informed consent.