Under Wisconsin state law, special provisions apply to individuals receiving protective services (voluntary or involuntary) or inpatient or outpatient treatment for mental illness, developmental disabilities or drug or alcohol dependency in Wisconsin must comply with the special conditions imposed by Wisconsin law.

• Protective services: Persons who receive protective services have the right not to be subjected to experimental research without the express and informed consent of the patient and the patient’s guardian and after consultation with independent specialists and the patient’s legal counsel. More than minimal risk research involving this population must be approved by the IRB and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services before study activities can begin.
• Mental health treatment, et al: Persons receiving treatment for mental illness, developmental disabilities, and alcoholism or drug dependency have the right not to be subjected to experimental research without the express and informed consent of the patient and the patient’s guardian (if any) and after consultation with independent specialists and the patient’s legal counsel. More than minimal risk research involving this population must be approved by the IRB and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services before study activities can begin.

For assistance with Wisconsin Department of Health Services review, contact the Reliance and Navigation Team (RELIANT; irbreliance@wisc.edu).