International Psychogeriatrics
Volume 15, Supplement 1 - 2003
Regulatory Issues JOSÉ L. MOLINUEVO AND RAFAEL BLESA
ABSTRACT. Any medical decision generates consequences for the patient and for society. Medical
practice should, therefore, be performed under the guidance of the following ethical principles:
beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, justice, integrity, dignity, and vulnerability. The
overarching objective of clinical research is to develop knowledge to improve health, and the
subjects who participate are the means to securing such knowledge. Clinical research, as part of
medical practice, should be ruled by the same ethical principles.
