Which of the following is a general requirement regarding informed consent?

The requirement that no consent may contain language that waives subjects’ legal rights is critical in the context of informed consent. Informed consent is based on the ethical principle of respect for persons, which includes the respect for individuals' autonomy and their right to make decisions about their participation in research. This principle mandates that participants are fully informed about the nature of the study, its potential risks and benefits, and their rights as participants, including the right to withdraw at any time without penalty.

Including language that waives legal rights would undermine these principles, as it could mislead participants about the implications of their involvement in research. Consent should empower individuals, allowing them to understand their rights rather than limit them. Therefore, ensuring that consent forms do not contain such language protects participants and upholds ethical standards in research.

Monetary compensation details are not universally required in consent forms, as compensation may vary by study. A reading comprehension test may not be a standard approach for ensuring that participants understand the consent process, as this can be assessed through clear communication and the opportunity for questions. Similarly, while having a witness present for signing can enhance the integrity of the consent process, it is not a general requirement for all studies.