Approval and coordination for disaster preparedness should begin with which entities?

Approval and coordination for disaster preparedness should begin with which entities?

• A. External auditors.
• B. No formal initiation.
• C. Approval and coordination should begin with the IO and IACUC.
• D. Security department.

Answer: (C)

Disaster preparedness within animal care and use programs is governed best by the institution’s own oversight bodies responsible for animal welfare and regulatory compliance. The Institutional Official (IO) holds the top authority for the animal care program, ensuring resources, authority, and accountability align with laws and policies. The IACUC oversees the care and use of animals and approves policies and procedures that affect animal welfare, including disaster-planning measures. When the IO and IACUC are involved from the start, the plan is grounded in proper governance, risk assessment, welfare considerations, and regulatory compliance, with clear roles and accountability. External auditors assess compliance after the fact rather than drive the initial planning, the security department handles safety logistics but not the program-level approvals for animal welfare, and starting without formal initiation would miss essential oversight. Therefore, beginning with the IO and IACUC ensures a compliant, welfare-centered disaster readiness effort.

Disaster preparedness within animal care and use programs is governed best by the institution’s own oversight bodies responsible for animal welfare and regulatory compliance. The Institutional Official (IO) holds the top authority for the animal care program, ensuring resources, authority, and accountability align with laws and policies. The IACUC oversees the care and use of animals and approves policies and procedures that affect animal welfare, including disaster-planning measures. When the IO and IACUC are involved from the start, the plan is grounded in proper governance, risk assessment, welfare considerations, and regulatory compliance, with clear roles and accountability. External auditors assess compliance after the fact rather than drive the initial planning, the security department handles safety logistics but not the program-level approvals for animal welfare, and starting without formal initiation would miss essential oversight. Therefore, beginning with the IO and IACUC ensures a compliant, welfare-centered disaster readiness effort.