According to NIH expectations for genetic research, when is informed consent required?

Informed consent is a fundamental principle in research ethics, particularly in genetic research. The correct answer indicates that informed consent is necessary not only for identifiable data but also when it involves the broad research use of de-identified data and data sharing. This reflects the National Institutes of Health (NIH) expectation that researchers respect and protect the rights and interests of individuals, regardless of whether the data is identifiable or not.

The requirement for informed consent when engaging in broad research use ensures that individuals are aware of and agree to how their data may be used and shared, even if their identities are not attached to the data. This approach helps uphold the ethical standards of autonomy and respect for persons, which are core tenets of conducting research responsibly.

In contrast, the other options mainly restrict informed consent to situations involving identifiable specimens or specific age groups, which does not align with the broader ethical expectations advocated by the NIH.