A researcher is examining the quality of life for prisoners who are hiv positive using surveys followed by interview. the irb must ensure that: all prisoners receive hiv testing. confidentiality of the prisoners' health status is maintained. the survey instrument is standardized. a medical doctor serves as co-investigator.

The correct answer is that the confidentiality of the prisoners' health status is maintained.

Confidentiality refers to one of the fundamental duties of the medical approach. It needs health care professionals to maintain the personal health information of the patient private unless and until the patient provides the permission to release the information. Confidentiality is an ethical duty.