diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index 2a1ebb784..edaa32a43 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -9,9 +9,7 @@ Show how to reproduce the new behavior (can be a bug fix or a new feature)
 
 ## Checklist
 
-- [ ] Did you update CHANGELOG.md with your changes?
-- [ ] Have you checked our [Contributing](https://github.com/hdmf-dev/hdmf/blob/dev/docs/CONTRIBUTING.rst) document?
-- [ ] Have you ensured the PR clearly describes the problem and the solution?
-- [ ] Is your contribution compliant with our coding style? This can be checked running `ruff` from the source directory.
-- [ ] Have you checked to ensure that there aren't other open [Pull Requests](https://github.com/hdmf-dev/hdmf/pulls) for the same change?
-- [ ] Have you included the relevant issue number using "Fix #XXX" notation where XXX is the issue number? By including "Fix #XXX" you allow GitHub to close issue #XXX when the PR is merged.
+- [ ] Did you update `CHANGELOG.md` with your changes?
+- [ ] Does the PR clearly describe the problem and the solution?
+- [ ] Have you reviewed our [Contributing Guide](https://github.com/hdmf-dev/hdmf/blob/dev/docs/CONTRIBUTING.rst)?
+- [ ] Does the PR use "Fix #XXX" notation to tell GitHub to close the relevant issue numbered XXX when the PR is merged?