If a subject will be admitted to prison next week, what should the researcher do if the study wasn't approved for involving prisoners?

The appropriate action when a subject is about to be admitted to prison and the study hasn't received approval for prisoner involvement is to notify the Institutional Review Board (IRB) promptly. This is essential because the IRB is responsible for ensuring the ethical treatment of research subjects and their guidelines are vital for maintaining ethical standards.

By notifying the IRB, the researcher can ensure that the proper procedures are followed concerning the subject's participation in the study. It allows the IRB to review the circumstances surrounding the subject’s impending incarceration and to determine if any modifications can be made to the study protocol or if special considerations need to be taken regarding the subject's involvement. Keeping the subject in the study without IRB approval could expose them to ethical concerns and potential harm, as their specific vulnerabilities as a prisoner haven’t been evaluated in the context of the research. Therefore, promptly notifying the IRB is critical for upholding research ethics and ensuring the safety and rights of the subject.