Conduct of Outside Social Science Research

(1) For research not involving direct contact with inmates, the following procedures are required: (a) research involving CORI shall be conducted as required by 803 CMR 2.00 through 9.00; (b) the principal researcher shall maintain records adequate to enable the Department's Research and Planning Division or the institution Superintendent and/or Division Head(s) to ascertain the status of the study at any time; (c) no employee of the Department (staff, officers, management, and vendors) shall receive compensation, remuneration, or payment of any kind from the researcher. An employee receiving such compensation, remuneration, or payment shall be subject to administrative sanctions deemed appropriate by the Commissioner; (2) For research involving direct contact with inmates, the following procedures are required: (a) the principal researcher shall maintain records adequate to enable the Department's Research and Planning Division or the institution Superintendent and/or Division Head(s) to ascertain the status of the study at any time; (b) informed consent: consent shall be given by persons who are competent to consent, have consented voluntarily, and are informed about the research. The study and its justification shall be explained to all potential participants. A written summary in layman's language shall be prepared to facilitate this explanation and a copy shall be provided to each potential participant. It shall be made clear to all inmates that participation in the research shall be purely voluntary and participation shall in no way affect the terms or length of confinement. (c) any data collected during the course of the research shall be used only in the manner described to the subject prior to participation in the study or in a manner specifically permitted by the subject subsequently; (d) no inmate who is a research subject shall receive compensation, remuneration, or payment of any kind in connection with a research study without the express permission of the Superintendent of the institution. Such payments, if approved, shall be consistent with legal guidelines relating to work release and other inmate work programs conducted by the Department; (e) no employee of the Department shall receive compensation, remuneration, or payment of any kind from the researcher. An employee receiving such compensation, remuneration, or payment shall be subject to administrative sanctions deemed appropriate by the Commissioner.