Why does the IRB date-stamp informed consent documents?
IRB approval for a project is valid for one year only. The date-stamped consent document shows the approval period during which the document is valid. Each year a Continuing Review form must be submitted, and a copy of both the currently approved informed consent document (with the date-stamp) and a copy without the date-stamp are requested. Once the project has received approval to continue for another year, the new consent documents will be given a date-stamp with a new approval period. The consent documents with the new date stamp should be given to all new participants recruited and enrolled during the new approval period.
