In what year did the first federal regulations for human subjects research begin in the U.S.?

The first federal regulations for human subjects research in the U.S. began in 1974. This marked a significant moment in the history of research ethics as it was in connection with the National Research Act, which established the requirement for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to review research proposals involving human subjects. This legislation came in response to various unethical research practices that were revealed, notably the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, which highlighted the need for formal regulations to protect participants.

While 1981 is noteworthy because it was the year that the federal policy known as the "Common Rule" was implemented, the foundation of regulations was already laid in 1974. The Common Rule further clarified the ethical guidelines and requirements for researchers and institutions conducting studies involving human participants.

Therefore, while 1981 is an important year in the development of ethical oversight through the Common Rule, the beginning of federal regulations specifically dates back to 1974, when significant legal frameworks started to be established for the protection of human subjects in research.