A researcher cannot carry out a research on a vulnerable person, except where it is in his or her personal and direct benefit.
However, where a research participant is vulnerable, he or she can be subjected to research without any personal and direct benefit in case the research:
1.does not have consequence for health;
2.is useful for the persons presenting the same features of age, sex and health status as those of the research participant;
3.cannot be carried out otherwise, upon approval of the RNEC.
When the research participant is a vulnerable person, the researcher cannot conduct research on him or her without prior authorization from his or her spouse, his or her parent, his or her guardian or legal representative or the relevant authority.