According to 45 CFR § 46.116(c), the CHS may approve a consent procedure which does not include, or which alters, some or all of the elements of informed consent, or waives the requirement to obtain consent, provided the CHS finds and documents that:

1. The research or demonstration project is to be conducted by, or subject to, the approval of state or local government officials and is designed to study, evaluate, or otherwise examine: (i) public benefit or service programs; (ii) procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs; (iii) possible changes in or alternatives to those programs or procedures; or (iv) possible changes in methods or levels of payment for benefits or services under those programs; and
2. The research could not practically be carried out without the waiver or alteration; and
3. The research is not FDA-regulated.

Additionally, § 46.116(d) states that an IRB “may approve a consent procedure which does not include, or which alters, some or all of the elements of informed consent” or waive the requirement to obtain consent all together, provided the IRB finds and documents that:

1. The research involves no more than minimal risk to the participants;
2. The waiver or alteration will not adversely affect the rights and welfare of the participants;
3. The research could not practicably be carried out without the waiver or alteration; and
4. Whenever appropriate, the participants will be provided with additional pertinent information after participation; and
5. The research is not FDA-regulated.

According to § 46.117(c) an IRB may waive the requirement for the Investigator to obtain a signed consent form for some or all participants if it finds either:

1. That the only record linking the participant and the research would be the consent document and the principal risk would be potential harm resulting from a breach of confidentiality; and the research is not FDA-regulated. In each circumstance, the participant should be asked whether they want documentation linking them with the research, and their wishes will govern; or
2. That the research presents no more than minimal risk of harm to participants and involves no procedures for which written consent is normally required outside of the research context.

In cases in which the documentation requirement is waived, the CHS will consider in each case whether to require the investigator to provide participants with a written statement regarding the research.

Please note that consent requirements are different in research involving children.

Updated: 21-Oct-2009