Which population receives additional protections under HHS regulations alongside pregnant women and neonates?

The population that receives additional protections under HHS regulations, alongside pregnant women and neonates, is prisoners. This is due to the unique vulnerabilities and potential coercive environment that prisoners face, which necessitates extra safeguards to ensure ethical research practices.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recognizes that prisoners may have limited autonomy and may be at increased risk for coercion in research settings. Therefore, specific regulations are put in place to protect these individuals, ensuring that they are not exploited and that their rights are upheld.

These protections include requiring additional review and oversight for research involving prisoners, ensuring that their participation is voluntary and that they are fully informed about the research and its implications. This consideration aims to prevent the potential for undue influence and to promote ethical standards within research practices involving vulnerable populations.