How to Create a Consent Form
Build legally-sound consent forms with e-signatures, date stamping, and secure storage. HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Or let AI build it in seconds
Describe your consent form and BttrForm AI generates the complete form — fields, logic, and styling. Try this prompt:
“Create a medical consent form for a dental clinic with patient info, treatment description, risk acknowledgment, alternatives discussion, consent checkboxes, and e-signature.”
Step-by-step guide
Define Consent Requirements
Determine what consent you're collecting — medical treatment, data processing, photo release, research participation, or parental consent.
- Consult your legal team for required language and disclosures
- Different jurisdictions have different consent requirements
- Keep language clear and understandable — not just legal jargon
Write Clear Consent Language
Present what the person is consenting to in plain, easy-to-understand language. Include all legally required disclosures.
- Use plain language that a non-lawyer can understand
- Break long consent text into collapsible sections
- Highlight key points in bold or summary format
Add E-Signature Fields
Include electronic signature, printed name, date, and any witness fields required by your use case.
- BttrForm e-signatures are legally binding in most jurisdictions
- Auto-populate the date field to the current date
- Include a "Print Name" field alongside the signature
Include Acknowledgment Checkboxes
Add checkboxes for each consent item. Require acknowledgment before the signature step.
- Each consent item should be a separate checkbox
- Don't pre-check consent boxes — that's not valid consent
- Include links to full policy documents
Configure Secure Storage
Enable encryption, set retention periods, and configure who can access signed consent forms.
- Encrypted storage is essential for medical and financial consent
- Set data retention periods per your compliance requirements
- Create audit trails for who accessed consent records
Distribute and Track
Send consent forms via email, embed in patient portals, or use in-person with tablet signing.
- Send a signed copy to the consenting party automatically
- Track completion rates and follow up on unsigned forms
- Store signed forms in a searchable, auditable database
Recommended fields
Essential fields for a consent form that converts.
| Field | Type | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Full Legal Name | text | Required |
| Date of Birth | date | Required |
| Consent Acknowledgment | checkbox | Required |
| Electronic Signature | signature | Required |
| Date | date | Required |
| Guardian Name (if minor) | text | Optional |
Best practices
Never pre-check consent boxes
Keep consent language at an 8th-grade reading level
Provide copies of signed forms to all parties
Maintain audit trails for compliance
Allow consent withdrawal and document the process
Review consent forms with legal counsel regularly
How to embed your consent form
Patient Portal
Embed in your patient portal for pre-visit consent collection.
Email Link
Send consent forms via email with a secure signing link.
In-Person Tablet
Use on tablets in your office for in-person signing.
Frequently asked questions
Are e-signatures legally binding?
Yes, electronic signatures are legally binding under ESIGN (US) and eIDAS (EU). BttrForm captures signature, timestamp, and IP for compliance.
Is consent form data encrypted?
Yes, all data is encrypted at rest and in transit. HIPAA-compliant storage is available on Enterprise plans.
Can I send signed copies automatically?
Yes, configure automatic PDF generation and email delivery of signed consent forms to all parties.
How long are consent forms stored?
Consent forms are stored securely for as long as your account is active. Configure retention periods per your compliance needs.
Create your consent form free
Free to start. No coding required. Build with AI or drag-and-drop.