LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTION REVIEW BOARD

Draft – March 1999

When research involves human subjects, the investigator must obtain prior consent from the participants. Listed below are the guidelines for composing a written consent, which is to be submitted to the LSU/IRB chair as part of the protocol review application materials. If the level of risk is less than minimal in the opinion of the chair, the requirement may be waived.

1. FORM: The form should be printed on LSU Letterhead.
2. TITLE OF PROTOCOL: Use the same research title on the form.
3. LANGUAGE: Avoid technical terms and use eighth-grade-level language.
4. PURPOSE AND PROCEDURES: Describe the purpose, procedures, and duration of the study.
5. RISKS AND BENEFITS: State any potential risks or benefits of the research to the participants. State how participants may obtain a report of the results if desired.
6. PARTICIPANTS' RIGHTS: Inform the voluntary subjects of their rights to withdraw from the study at any time.
7. CONFIDENTIALITY: Indicate the extent of confidentiality or anonymity that will be maintained.
8. IMPARTIAL THIRD PARTY CONTACT: Establish an impartial third party whom the participants may contact for inquiry or other related questions.
9. INFORMED CONSENT: Give the participants an opportunity to ask questions before consenting.
10. SIGNATURES: Provide a signature and date line for each subject, parent or legal guardian as applicable.

See example here >>