In certain situations, the Board may allow a legally authorized representative (LAR) to consent on behalf of a subject. If the LAR cannot be present, the consent discussion may be conducted via telephone. The investigator or designee should first contact the LAR to obtain, via facsimile, documents such as health care power of attorney or a copy of the court document appointing the LAR as legal guardian and personal identification. Once the identifying documents are received, the informed consent document (ICD) must be faxed to the LAR prior to the consent discussion. The investigator or designee must review the ICD and conduct a complete consent discussion with the LAR over the telephone. An independent witness, an individual not employed by the research site, must participate in the telephone call to attest to the understanding of the LAR. The LAR must sign the ICD and fax it back to the site and then mail the original within 24 to 48 hours of the discussion. The person conducting the consent discussion and the independent witness must sign the ICD and note that the discussion occurred via telephone. A copy of the signed ICD should be faxed back to the LAR.