Any of the U.S. policies designed to protect the rights and interests of citizens who choose to participate in government-funded biomedical research. Those who choose to participate in biomedical research often suffer from life-altering or life-threatening illnesses. As a result they may be more psychologically vulnerable than others and may agree to become investigative subjects because of fear or desperation. The protections provided by the Common Rule are designed to ensure that agencies that perform federally funded human research respect the rights of experimental subjects. Included are the rights of confidentiality and full disclosure (informed consent). Research performed on children or prisoners is given special protections.