The Health and Human Services (HHS) websites provides several indicators that must be met when conducting human subjects research. One of those indicators is informed consent. Informed consent means that the test subject, the person receiving treatment, fully understands the treatment methods, techniques, and requirements for the study. The consent should be given in writing. Contacts outside of the study are also to be provided to the patient. Studies also must be presented and passed through a group called the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
