Healthy volunteers are essential to science, but too often they are treated unfairly. Here’s what we are working to change.
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Cancellations Without Compensation
Volunteers often spend days preparing and traveling for studies, only to have them canceled at the last minute — with no pay for their time or effort.
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Last-Minute Confirmations
Some clinics confirm check-in just a day before, forcing volunteers to book expensive travel and rearrange schedules, with little or no travel reimbursement.
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Delayed or Unclear Payments
Payments are sometimes late or lack clear timelines, leaving participants unsure when or if they’ll be compensated.
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Uncovered Travel & Housing Costs
When volunteers don’t qualify, they are often left to cover travel and lodging expenses on their own — a financial burden many cannot afford.
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Harassment or Conflicts Ignored
Tensions between participants are often dismissed, leaving individuals vulnerable and fearful of speaking up against mistreatment.
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Unfair or Unexplained Bans
Volunteers may be banned from clinics for questionable reasons, sometimes tied to medical results or interpersonal conflicts, without a clear explanation.
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No Appeals Process
Currently, there is no fair or anonymous way to challenge unfair treatment or bans. HVA steps in to advocate directly while protecting members’ identities.
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Rushed Consent Process
Volunteers are sometimes pressured to sign consent forms quickly, without enough time to review complex information about risks and responsibilities.
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Lack of Respect as Contributors
Too often, healthy volunteers are treated as “test subjects” rather than recognized as essential partners in advancing science.
Dual Screening Restrictions (VCT)
Some clinical research facilities use the Verified Clinical Trials (VCT) system to block volunteers from screening at more than one site at a time. While VCT was designed to prevent dual enrollment (being in two studies at once), it is now being used to prevent dual screening — even though screening carries no risk and involves no study drug.
This practice:
Unfairly limits opportunities for healthy volunteers
Wastes valuable time
Creates financial hardship
Our Position:
Healthy Volunteers Alliance advocates for fair policies, transparency, and the right for participants to challenge restrictions that go beyond protecting safety.
