In what situation can informed consent be waived, including public health or secondary data uses?

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This question tests the conditions under which an IRB can waive informed consent. Informed consent can be waived when the research involves no more than minimal risk, the rights and welfare of participants are not adversely affected, the study could not practicably be carried out without the waiver, and appropriate safeguards (such as de-identification or data protection) are in place. For public health surveillance or secondary data uses, consent may be waived under these same criteria. This is why the statement that matches minimal risk, protective safeguards, practical feasibility, and the allowance for public health or secondary data uses is the best fit. Costs, by themselves, are not a criterion for waiving consent; simply being unable to contact participants does not satisfy the waiver criteria; and higher-risk research cannot be waived even with protective steps.