The IACUC

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is made up of University faculty, staff, and community member(s). This committee’s creation is mandated by the Animal Welfare Act (Part 2, Subpart C, § 2.31) and the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Section IV). Each individual member brings a different perspective and plays a key role in monitoring and oversight of live vertebrate animal care and use at the University.

As an agent of the Institution, the IACUC’s mandated duties include:

1. Review at least once every six months the institution’s program for humane care and use of animals, using the Guide as a basis for evaluation,
2. Inspect at least once every six months all of the institution’s animal facilities (including satellite facilities) using the Guide as a basis for evaluation,
3. Prepare reports of the IACUC evaluations conducted as required by IV.B.1. and 2. of the PHS Policy, and submit the reports to the Institutional Official. The reports must meet the following criteria:
   • The reports shall be updated at least once every six months upon completion of the required semiannual evaluations.
   • The reports shall be maintained by the institution and made available to OLAW upon request.
   • The reports must contain a description of the nature and extent of the institution’s adherence to the Guide and the PHS Policy and must identify specifically any departures from the provisions of the Guide and the PHS Policy and must state the reasons for each departure.
   • The reports must distinguish significant deficiencies from minor deficiencies. A significant deficiency is one that, consistent with the PHS
     Policy, and, in the judgment of the IACUC and the Institutional Official, is or may be a threat to the health or safety of the animals. If program or facility deficiencies are noted, the reports must contain a reasonable and specific plan and schedule for correcting each deficiency.
   • If some or all of the institution’s facilities are accredited by AAALAC or another accrediting body recognized by the PHS, the report should identify those facilities as such.
4. Review concerns involving the care and use of animals at the institution,
5. Make recommendations to the Institutional Official regarding any aspect of the institution’s animal program, facilities, or personnel training,
6. Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of those components of PHS-conducted or supported activities related to the care and use of animals as specified in IV.C. of the PHS Policy,
7. Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of proposed significant changes regarding the use of animals in ongoing activities, and
8. Be authorized to suspend an activity involving animals in accordance with the specifications set forth in IV.C.6. of the PHS Policy.