Which committee approves patient consent forms and protects the welfare of drug research volunteers?

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a key committee that plays a crucial role in safeguarding the welfare of individuals participating in drug research. The primary function of the IRB is to review research proposals involving human subjects to ensure that these studies adhere to ethical standards and regulatory requirements. This includes evaluating the patient consent forms that inform participants about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and the voluntary nature of participation.

The IRB's oversight is essential for protecting the rights and well-being of research volunteers, making it pivotal in the realm of clinical trials and medical research. By ensuring that informed consent is obtained and that ethical considerations are prioritized, the IRB acts as an important guardian of participant safety and ethical integrity in research.

While ethics committees and other groups may also focus on ethical considerations, the IRB is specifically mandated by federal regulations to oversee and approve the use of human subjects in research, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.