What is the best course of action if a subject will be admitted to prison and the study was not approved for involving prisoners?

The best course of action in this scenario is to notify the IRB promptly. This is essential because involving prisoners in research significantly changes the ethical considerations and regulatory requirements under federal guidelines. The IRB is responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of all research participants, and they must be informed about any changes in a subject's status that could affect their eligibility for the study.

By notifying the IRB, the researcher ensures that they are complying with ethical standards and regulations, which could lead to additional review or modifications to the study protocol. This process helps maintain the integrity of the research and protects the rights of the individuals involved. Allowing the subject to remain in the study without IRB oversight could expose both the subject and the researcher to regulatory violations and ethical dilemmas.

Seeking permission from the prison warden or removing the subject immediately might not adequately address the ethical considerations, as continuing research without appropriate IRB oversight may not protect the subject's rights or well-being.