Consent form template

A consent form is used as an official document to indicate you agree to certain terms and conditions. It may also grant another person permission to do something on your behalf.

Consent forms may be used in numerous situations:

Grant a child the right to travel alone
Give official permission to someone to use your property
Grant doctors permission to perform surgery and indicate you are aware of any risks

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What is a consent form?

The consent form is a document that provides research subjects sufficient written information to decide whether to participate in a research study or not based on an explanation of the proposed research and the nature of the participation that is requested of them.

It should be descriptive and not overly technical.

A consent form gives written permission to another party that they understand the terms of an event or activity that will be performed.
When agreeing to consent, it must be done so voluntarily with a competent mind.
A subject can revoke their consent at any time and this decision should be respected.

A consent form is also referred to as the following: informed consent form, written consent form, consent form template.

What are the different types of consent forms?

In various professional and legal contexts, there are different types of consent forms that may be used to obtain permission or agreement from individuals. Here are some common types:

Medical Consent Form: This form is used in healthcare settings to obtain consent from patients before medical procedures, treatments, surgeries, or other interventions. It outlines the risks, benefits, and alternatives involved, ensuring that patients understand and agree to the proposed course of action.
Informed Consent Form: Informed consent forms are used in research studies or clinical trials. They provide detailed information about the study's purpose, procedures, potential risks, benefits, and participant rights. Participants sign the form to indicate their voluntary agreement to participate, acknowledging that they have been adequately informed.
Parental Consent Form: This form is used when obtaining consent from parents or legal guardians on behalf of a minor. It is often required for activities involving minors, such as school field trips, extracurricular activities, or medical treatments.
Facilities and Services: Assessments of hotel facilities such as the gym, pool, spa, or business center, as well as the quality of services provided, such as room service, concierge assistance, or shuttle service.
Photography/Video Consent Form: This form is used to obtain consent from individuals to use their likeness, photographs, or videos for specific purposes, such as marketing materials, publications, or website content. It ensures that individuals are aware of how their images will be used and gives them the option to grant or deny permission.
Release of Liability Form: This form is commonly used in recreational or high-risk activities, such as sports, adventure tourism, or fitness classes. It releases the organization or individuals involved from legal liability in case of accidents, injuries, or damages that may occur during the activity.
Consent to Background Check Form: This form is used by employers to obtain consent from job applicants or employees to conduct background checks. It allows the employer to verify the applicant's criminal history, employment history, educational background, or other relevant information.
Financial Consent Form: This form is used when obtaining consent from clients or customers for financial transactions, such as authorizing a direct debit, making investments, or sharing financial information with third parties.

It’s important to note that the specific types and requirements of consent forms may vary depending on local laws, regulations, and industry-specific practices. It is advisable to consult with legal professionals or relevant authorities to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines in your specific jurisdiction.

Top consent form tips

Informed consent is not merely a form but a process. All necessary information must be clearly present and defined so that the person can make an informed, voluntary decision about what they are agreeing to. This involves informing about possible risks, extra costs and the purpose your permission is needed for. Apply the following tips:
- Use words familiar to the non-academic/non-scientific reader.
- Avoid (legal) jargon & avoid abbreviations and acronyms if possible.
Take into account the age, culture, ethnicity, literacy level of your audience. Make sure there is nothing that may be misinterpreted or off-putting within their cultural or social environment.
Do the respondents have special needs related to language or other abilities? (Use large front for the elderly and for people with poor eyesight, use simple language for minors and children and consider using images, pictures).
Minimize the passive voice to the extent possible, use “we will send you the results”, instead of “the results will be sent to you”.
Use YOU. The only time you should deviate from second person is the actual “informed consent” section, which should use first person (e.g.: I voluntarily agree to participate in this survey).

What’s included in a consent form?

A consent form typically includes several key elements and information that ensure individuals fully understand what they are consenting to. While the specific content may vary based on the purpose and context of the consent, here are some common elements typically found in a consent form:

Title or Heading: The form usually begins with a title or heading that clearly identifies it as a consent form, specifying the purpose or nature of the consent.
Introduction: The introduction section provides an overview of the purpose of the form and explains why consent is being sought. It may include a brief description of the activity, procedure, or study involved.
Participant Information: This section collects basic information about the individual providing consent, such as their name, address, contact details, and relevant identification information.
Description of Activity/Procedure: The form should provide a clear and detailed description of the activity, procedure, treatment, or research study that requires consent. It should include information about what will be done, who will be involved, and any potential risks or benefits.
Purpose and Goals: This section explains the purpose and goals of the activity or study, outlining the intended outcomes and objectives.
Purpose and Goals: This section explains the purpose and goals of the activity or study, outlining the intended outcomes and objectives.
Risks and Benefits: The form should outline the potential risks and benefits associated with the activity or study. It should provide a balanced and comprehensive overview to ensure that individuals can make an informed decision.
Confidentiality and Privacy: If applicable, the form should address how the participant's personal information will be handled, emphasizing any measures in place to protect confidentiality and privacy.
Voluntary Participation: Consent forms typically include a statement emphasizing that participation is voluntary. It should clarify that individuals have the right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time without negative consequences.
Consent Statements: The form should include clear and concise statements that explicitly ask for consent. This may involve checkboxes or signature lines where individuals can indicate their agreement.
Contact Information: The form should provide contact details for individuals to reach out if they have questions, concerns, or need further information.
Date and Signature: Consent forms usually include spaces for the participant's signature and the date, confirming that they have read and understood the information provided and willingly consent to the specified activity or study.

It’s important to ensure that consent forms are written in clear and understandable language, avoiding technical jargon as much as possible. Additionally, the form should be dated and retained for record-keeping purposes. Keep in mind that specific requirements for consent forms may vary depending on local laws, regulations, and the nature of the activity. It is advisable to seek legal guidance to ensure compliance with applicable regulations in your jurisdiction.

How to give and accept consent?

1. Define the permission needed

Obtaining consent is due to a service or agreement that needs approval by the subject which then gives permission for the research to be carried out. Consent is not required in all situations. For example, a person going to the doctor to have their blood pressure measured is a form of treatment but not in the sense that it needs special approval as the treatment does not pose any risk to the patient. If you are offering a service and have doubts about whether or not you need consent from recipients of that service, it’s always best to contact a lawyer for advice. Once you know the exact permissions you need when offering a service, it’s time to obtain the right consent form for your needs.

2. Obtain a consent form

A consent form should be specific and clearly describe the permissions and services that are to be conducted. Consent should never be given or trusted verbally, always be certain that you have written consent. If you are a photographer needing consent from models, your consent form will differ from a landlord needing a background check on a potential tenant.

3. Sign and acceptance

Any consent form must be signed in order to be valid. It’s the responsibility of the recipient to know the risks involved when giving consent. Prior to signing a consent form, ask questions if you need more detailed information.

How do you write a consent form?

Writing a consent form requires careful consideration to ensure clarity, completeness, and compliance with legal and ethical guidelines. Here are some steps to help you write a consent form:

Identify the Purpose: Clearly define the purpose of the consent form. Determine the specific activity, procedure, or study for which you are seeking consent.
Understand Legal and Ethical Requirements: Familiarize yourself with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines that apply to your context. This will help ensure that your consent form meets the necessary requirements.
Use Clear and Understandable Language: Write the consent form in clear, concise, and plain language. Avoid using technical jargon or complex terminology that may confuse the reader. Use simple sentences and break down complex information into easily digestible sections.
Provide an Introduction: Begin the consent form with an introduction that clearly states the purpose of the form and explains why consent is being sought. Provide a brief overview of the activity, procedure, or study involved.
Include Necessary Information: Include all essential information related to the activity, procedure, or study. This may include details about what will be done, who will be involved, potential risks and benefits, confidentiality measures, and any alternatives available.
Address Voluntary Participation: Emphasize that participation is voluntary and that individuals have the right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time without negative consequences. Clearly state that their decision will not affect their access to other services or opportunities.
Use Headings and Sections: Organize the consent form using headings and sections. This helps to structure the information and makes it easier for the reader to navigate and understand the content.
Seek Legal and Ethical Review: Before finalizing the consent form, seek review from legal and ethical professionals to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards. They can provide valuable insights and help identify any potential issues or improvements.
Provide Contact Information: Include contact details of the responsible person or organization that individuals can reach out to if they have questions, concerns, or need additional information.
Include Signature and Date: Include spaces for the participant's signature and the date. This confirms that they have read and understood the information provided and voluntarily consent to the specified activity, procedure, or study.
Review and Update: Periodically review and update your consent form to ensure its continued relevance and compliance with any changes in laws or regulations.

Remember to adapt the consent form to the specific requirements and nature of the activity, procedure, or study. It is also advisable to seek legal advice to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.

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