April 3, 2003 
The main objectives of the committee are to: 1)
enhance collaborative and multidisciplinary research
endeavors across the colleges and schools, 2)
keep the colleges and schools apprised of emerging
and ongoing initiatives sponsored by federal,
state and local municipal agencies as well as
private entities that support research, 3)
discuss current issues that bear on University
research administration, and 4)
discuss roadblocks and other issues that the colleges
and schools experience in meeting their ongoing
research efforts and aspirations.
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a compliance committee established by federal requirements by the US Department of Agriculture and the United States Public Health Service. Institutions, public and private, utilizing animals are subject to these regulations and an IACUC operating at each such institution is the mechanism by which such animal-related activity is regulated and monitored. The committee is comprised of scientists knowledgeable in the use of animals, a veterinarian with training in animal laboratory science, and at least one non-scientist lay member.
MANDATED RESPONSIBILITIES OF IACUC:
1. Review at least every 6
months the institution's program for humane
care and use of animals, using the Guide for
the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals as a
basis for evaluation.
2. Inspect at least every 6
months the institution's animal facilities (including
satellite facilities), using the Guide for the
Care and Use of Laboratory Animals as a basis
for evaluation.
3. Prepare reports of the IACUC
evaluations as set forth in the PHS policy at
IV.B.3 and submit the reports to the responsible
Institutional Official.
4. Review concerns involving
the care and use of animals at the institution.
5. Make written recommendations
to the Institutional Official regarding any
aspect of the institution's animal care program,
facilities, or personnel training.
6. Review and approve, require
modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold
approval of those activities related to the
care and use of animals as set forth in the
PHS Policy at IV.C.
7. Review and approve, require
modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold
approval of those activities related to the
care and use of animals in ongoing activities
as set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.C.
8. Notify investigators and
the institution in writing of its decision to
approve or withhold approval of those activities
related to the care and use of animals, or of
modifications required to secure IACUC approval
as set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.C.4.
9. Conduct continuing review
of each previously approved, ongoing activity
covered by this Policy at appropriate intervals
as determined by the IACUC, including a complete
review in accordance with the PHS policy at
IV.C.4 at least once every three years.
10. Be authorized to suspend an activity involving animals as set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.C.6.
REVIEW PROCESS:
1. The review process begins
with the submission of a proposal for an activity
involving animals. This may encompass research
grants, educational projects or demonstrations,
or other types of testing.
2. Projects involving other
institutions (educational institutions, commercial
firms, etc.) or individuals at those institutions
require an approval process at each institution
and involved individuals at each site bear joint
responsibility for the appropriate conduct at
the other site(s).
3. An Animal Care Committee
Review Form, available from the Center for Biomedical
Research office, must be completed and submitted.
If the project involves a grant submission,
a copy of the grant application should be appended.
4. The application to IACUC will be reviewed for compliance with issues and practices defined by legislation and current accepted laboratory veterinary practice. These include (but are not necessarily limited to)
a. the justification for the species chosen and the number of animals being used
b. the rationale for the use of animals for the proposed procedures versus the availability of less invasive procedures, tissue culture, computer simulation, etc.
c. criteria and process for timely intervention, removal of animals from a study, or euthanasia if painful or stressful outcomes are anticipated
d. the proper use of euthanasia
f. training and experience in appropriate techniques of the researchers and co-workers performing the project
g. that the activities do not unnecessarily duplicate previous work
h. the safety of the working environment for personnel
5. The IACUC may approve the application as submitted,
required modifications in order to receive approval,
or reject the application. Application must
be granted prior to the procurement of animals
and their use in the project.
6. Approved projects must undergo full review at least every three years. |
