What role does the IRB/IEC play in emergency consent situations?

In emergency consent situations, the primary role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Independent Ethics Committee (IEC) is to be informed about the emergency use of investigational products. This is crucial because it ensures that the use of such products aligns with ethical standards and regulatory requirements. In emergency scenarios where immediate medical intervention is necessary, obtaining informed consent from the patient may not be feasible.

By requiring that the IRB or IEC is notified, it establishes oversight and accountability regarding the use of investigational products in urgent situations. This process ensures that the rights and welfare of the subjects are still protected, even when traditional consent procedures cannot be followed.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role of the IRB/IEC in this context. For instance, while preparing consent forms or providing consent on behalf of a subject may be part of their broader responsibilities in research, their specific role in an emergency is primarily about oversight and notification.