Which action is specifically authorized to the IACUC regarding noncompliant animal use protocols?

Which action is specifically authorized to the IACUC regarding noncompliant animal use protocols?

• A. Review and approve animal use protocols
• B. Prepare reports from program review and animal facility inspections
• C. Authorized to suspend animal use protocols involving animals that are not conducted in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, PHS policy, the Guide and Animal Welfare Assurance
• D. Review concerns involving animal use protocols

Answer: (C)

IACUCs have the authority to suspend any animal use protocol that is not conducted in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy, the Guide, and the Animal Welfare Assurance. This power is a protective, immediate action that stops ongoing work to prevent further noncompliance while issues are investigated and corrective actions are put in place. Approving protocols is the normal lifecycle step for starting work, preparing reports from program reviews and inspections is an administrative/documentation task, and reviewing concerns involves oversight, but the explicit action tied to noncompliance and animal welfare protection is the suspension of the protocol.

IACUCs have the authority to suspend any animal use protocol that is not conducted in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy, the Guide, and the Animal Welfare Assurance. This power is a protective, immediate action that stops ongoing work to prevent further noncompliance while issues are investigated and corrective actions are put in place. Approving protocols is the normal lifecycle step for starting work, preparing reports from program reviews and inspections is an administrative/documentation task, and reviewing concerns involves oversight, but the explicit action tied to noncompliance and animal welfare protection is the suspension of the protocol.