Am international panel of ethicists and scientists has recommended the government set up a system to compensate people who suffer research-related harm.

The recommendation by the International Research Panel to the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues is one of five aimed at improving current federal rules and standards for human subjects. It’s only advisory, but could find it’s way into a report to President Obama later this year, according to blog.bioethics.gov, the commission’s blog.

That could have significant implications in this region, where there are plenty of human trials going on.

Unlike other countries, there’s not now such a U.S. system for compensation, and people are generally left to sue. The panel cited the U.S. National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, which is the alternative system to the regular courts for those injured by vaccines.

Other recommendations include ramping up community engagement as a means of demonstrating respect for human subjects in all stages of trials; supporting ethics training for investigators and other involved; enhancing transparency and monitoring ongoing research to hold researchers and institutions responsible and accountable; and ensuring rules are clear, sound and efficient to promote quality.