Ancillary Care Obligations of Medical Researchers and the Controversy Surrounding their Limited Scope

Abstract

　　Recently, the issue of ancillary care in the context of medical research, especially research conducted in developing countries, has been gaining attention. Although the most influential theoretical model on this issue is the ʻpartial-entrustment model' proposed by Henry Richardson, this model has been controversial due to its limited scope. After providing a brief overview of the partial-entrustment model, I discuss the controversy surrounding the model, especially in light of an important objection raised by Dickert and Wendler. I then discuss Richardson's reply to the objection. The discussion will reveal that the partial-entrustment model is facing a dilemma stemming from its limited scope. I end the discussion with two proposals for addressing this dilemma, together with problems that remained unsolved. More studies will be needed to identify other potential grounds of ancillary care obligations of medical researchers and to provide a comprehensive picture of these obligations.