Informed Consent

Informed Consent Key Elements

Research involving human subjects poses complex ethical issues. It requires careful thought and consideration on the part of both researchers and research participants. Prospective participants must be given adequate information on both the possible risks and the potential benefits of their involvement to allow them to make informed decisions. Our IRB requires consent forms on all studies, including those that are Exempt. Informed consent should include all of the following that apply:

IRB number and study title;
Explanation of research purpose and procedures;
Description of any procedures which are experimental;
Benefits to the participant and/or society;
Risks; even minor risks that would be significant to only a few;
Alternate procedures/treatments available for a condition;
Participation is voluntary and the participant can withdraw without penalty or loss of benefits;
Who to contact with pertinent questions (this typically should include where to address questions that come up at a later time);
Please include the following statement: "If you have any questions about your rights as a research participant, concerns or complaints about this research, or you want to talk to someone other than the researcher, please contact MSU’s Office of Research Administration at (417) 836-5972 or IRB@missouristate.edu. Regular office hours are M-F 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., after hour messages will be returned the next business day.";
The amount of time required of the subjects;
Confidentiality of data and final disposition of data;
If the research involves more than minimal risk, a description of compensation and treatment that is available for injury and who to contact in the event of a research related injury; and
A statement of acknowledgment of having read and understood the consent document, having the opportunity to have questions answered by the Principal Investigator (or appropriate individual) and consent to participate in the study followed by the signature of the participant.
If the project involves the use and/or disclosure of protected health information, the Authorization for Disclosure of Patient Medical/Health Information can be integrated with the Informed Consent Form.

In studies which involve little or no risk, or when attributes of the study indicate oral presentation to be ethically advantageous, consent information may be presented orally. Oral presentation must include each of the above that apply. When consent information is read to a group, one witness must sign acknowledgment that the oral script was in fact presented to the group.

The IRB may waive or alter elements of the consent requirements outlined above in studies:

That involve no more than minimal risk;
If the waiver will not adversely affect subjects rights or welfare; and
If the research could not practicably be carried out with the waiver

In cases where Informed Consent is waived, the participant should be provided with pertinent information after participation.

For regulations concerning Informed Consent, view OHRP Policy & Guidance.

For HIPAA considerations, refer to Missouri State's health information privacy site for information requesting authorization for the use and disclosure of PHI with Informed Consent.

Sample Informed Consent Forms

Special Populations

The consent form must be signed by the parent, guardian, or other responsible party if the study involves minors or others who are unable to sign suitable consent. Special provisions are to be made for soliciting the assent of children, when in the judgment of the IRB the children are capable of providing assent. Factors in this judgment include age, maturity, and psychological state of the children. This judgment can be made for all children involved in the study or individual child, as the IRB deems appropriate.

Special procedures are required if the project involves pregnant women, fetuses, human in vitro fertilization, prisoners and wards of the state, or minors.