Parental Notification, In Lieu of Active Parental Permission, Is Allowed When

In recent years, there has been a growing debate over the issue of parental notification and active parental permission for medical care for their minor children. In many jurisdictions, there are laws that outline certain circumstances under which parental notification, in lieu of active parental permission, is allowed. In this article, we will explore what those circumstances are and why they exist.

What Are the Circumstances for Parental Notification?

In general, parental notification, in lieu of active parental permission, is allowed when an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approves a waiver of the requirement for parental permission. This means that the IRB has decided that the safety of the minor involved will not be adversely affected by the waiver. Additionally, the IRB may also decide that the minor is capable of understanding the nature and risks of the proposed research, or that the research will be of benefit to the minor.

Why Parental Permission Is Needed

The primary reason for requiring parental permission for research involving minors is to ensure that the minor is protected from harm, exploitation, or undue influence. Additionally, when a minor is involved in research, their consent is required if they are of an age to understand the nature and risks of the proposed research. In cases where parental permission is required, the IRB often requires additional safeguards such as information about the study being provided to the minor and their parent or guardian, as well as providing contact information for individuals outside the research team who can answer questions and provide advice about the research.

Conclusion

Parental permission is an important part of the research process as it ensures the safety and wellbeing of minors and helps to protect them from exploitation and undue influence when participating in research activities. In cases where parental permission is not required, parental notification, in lieu of active parental permission, is allowed when an IRB approves a waiver of the requirement for parental permission. It is important to remember, however, that a waiver of parental permission does not necessarily mean that the minor is capable of understanding the nature and risks of the proposed research or that the research will be of benefit to the minor.