Informed written consent

Informed written consent must: 1. Be in language that the individual or the individual's authorized representative understands; 2. Be signed and dated by the individual or the individual's authorized representative; 3. Include an expiration date; 4. Be specific in designating the department or person authorized to disclose information; 5. Be specific as to the nature of the information that may be released; 6. Be specific in designating the parties to whom the information may be released; and 7. Be specific as to the purpose or purposes for which the released information may be used.