diff --git a/modules/candidate_parameters/jsx/ParticipantStatus.js b/modules/candidate_parameters/jsx/ParticipantStatus.js
index 84cd5d30b6f..97fa3db749a 100644
--- a/modules/candidate_parameters/jsx/ParticipantStatus.js
+++ b/modules/candidate_parameters/jsx/ParticipantStatus.js
@@ -147,6 +147,16 @@ class ParticipantStatus extends Component {
             suboptionsRequired = true;
         }
 
+        let commentsRequired = false;
+        let statusOpts = this.state.Data.statusOptions;
+        if (
+          statusOpts &&
+          statusOpts[participantStatus] !== 'Active' &&
+          statusOpts[participantStatus] !== 'Complete'
+        ) {
+          commentsRequired = true;
+        }
+
         let formattedHistory = [];
         for (let statusKey in this.state.Data.history) {
             if (this.state.Data.history.hasOwnProperty(statusKey)) {
@@ -246,7 +256,7 @@ class ParticipantStatus extends Component {
             onUserInput={this.setFormData}
             ref="reasonSpecify"
             disabled={disabled}
-            required={false}
+            required={commentsRequired}
             />
             {updateButton}
             {formattedHistory}