What does exculpatory language in an informed consent form do?

Exculpatory language in an informed consent form serves the purpose of waiving or appearing to waive a subject's legal rights. This language can imply that participants cannot hold the researcher or institution legally accountable for any harm or adverse outcomes that might arise from their participation in the research. By including such language, the informed consent form attempts to limit liability and provide a form of legal protection for the researchers, which is an important concern in the conduct of research.

Informed consent must ensure that participants are aware of the risks, benefits, and procedures involved in a study, and it should protect their rights. However, if the language in the form makes it seem as though participants are giving up their rights to pursue any legal recourse, it could raise ethical concerns regarding the validity and appropriateness of that consent.