Who can be a Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) in a clinical trial?

The role of a Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) in a clinical trial is crucial as it ensures the protection of study subjects who are unable to provide informed consent themselves. An LAR can be an individual or an organization sanctioned by law to make decisions on behalf of a potential participant who lacks the capacity to consent due to various reasons, such as age, mental capacity, or medical condition.

This designation can include a variety of individuals or entities, depending on the jurisdiction's legal framework, and may encompass family members, legal guardians, or even designated representatives, assuming they have been granted that authority through legal means. The key aspect that defines an LAR is their legal authorization, rather than their relationship with the participant or their professional background.

While family members may serve as LARs, they are not the only individuals eligible for this role, nor are healthcare professionals exclusively qualified to act as such. The capacity for someone to function as an LAR ultimately rests on their legal empowerment to make decisions in the interest of the participant regarding participation in the study. This broad definition ensures that vulnerable populations in clinical trials can still have their rights and welfare protected while enabling legitimate involvement in research.