Written Consent Checklist

Excerpted from the St. Olaf College Code of Ethics for Projects with Human Subjects

Items to be included in a written consent form

In addition to providing basic project information, investigators must provide a written consent form for the participant to sign after receiving the project information and before agreeing to participate. Written consent is required if the project involves more than minimal risk or if a legally authorized representative of the subject is required to provide consent (as in the case of minors, for example). It is often advisable in other kinds of projects, particularly those involving participants from outside the St. Olaf community. A written consent form must include the following:

  1. A statement that the subject has read and understood the project information statement.
  2. A statement indicating that the subject will be offered a copy of the information statement and the signed consent form to keep.
  3. A line for the signature of the subject, followed by the date of the signing (do not make an “X” to show where to sign).
  4. A line for the signature of the investigator, followed by the date of the signing.