The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee; NIH, 2011

NIH; The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee:

"Responsibilities

The IACUC is responsible for oversight of the animal care and use program and its components as described in the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Policy) and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide). Link to Non-U.S. Government Site - Click for Disclaimer Its oversight functions include an ongoing assessment of animal care and use. IACUC responsibilities include:

Review, at least semiannually, the institution's program for the humane care and use of animals;

Inspect, at least semiannually, the institution's animal facilities (including satellite facilities);

Prepare reports to the Institutional Official (IO) of the IACUC evaluations;

Review animal welfare concerns;

Make recommendations to the IO on any aspect of the animal program, facilities, or personnel training;

Review and approve, those components of PHS conducted or supported activities related to the care and use of animals;

Review and approve, proposed significant changes to the use of animals in ongoing activities; and

Be authorized to suspend an activity involving animals.

Membership

[Five People]The IACUC membership must consist of at least 5 members and includes:

one veterinarian with training or experience in laboratory animal science and medicine, who has direct or delegated authority and responsibility for activities involving animals at the institution;

one practicing scientist experienced in research with animals;

one member whose primary concerns are in a nonscientific area (e.g., ethicist, lawyer, member of the clergy); and

one member who is not affiliated with the institution other than as a member of the IACUC."