NOTE: The superscript numbers in this document link to Endnotes¹ that reference selected USDA regulatory requirements that differ from the PHS Policy. Other links in this document are to relevant sections of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and you may need to scroll through text to reach the precise language for a given topic. The BACK button on your browser should be used to return to the Checklist.

Date:	*A	M	S
1. IACUC Membership and Functions
- institution provides training and resources to assist IACUC members in understanding and evaluating issues brought before the committee
- at least 5 members, appointed by CEO
- members include veterinarian, scientist, non-scientist, and non-afilliated non-lab animal user 2
- responsible for oversight and evaluation of institution's program
- reports to Institutional Official (IO)
- conducts semiannual evaluations of institutional animal care and use program
- conducts semiannual inspections of institutional animal facilities
- reviews and investigates concerns about animal care and use at institution3
- procedures for review, approval and suspension of animal activities4
- procedures for review & approval of significant changes to approved activities
- policies for special procedures (e.g. restraint, multiple survival surgery, fluid restriction)5
2. IACUC RECORDS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS6
Reports to Institutional Official (IO)
- reports of semiannual program reviews & facility inspections are submitted to IO7
- include minority IACUC views
- describe departures from Guide or PHS Policy and reasons for departure8
- distinguish significant from minor deficiencies
- include plan and schedule for correction of each deficiency identified9
Reports to Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)
- reports include any minority IACUC views
- annual report to OLAW documents program changes & dates of IACUC semiannual review
- promptly advises OLAW of serious/ongoing Guide deviations or PHS Policy noncompliance
- promptly advises OLAW of any suspension of activity by the IACUC
Reports to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- annual report contains required information
- reporting mechanism in place for IACUC-approved exceptions to the regulations and standards
- reports within 15 days failure to adhere to timetable for correction of deficiencies
- reports suspension of activity by the IACUC to USDA and any Federal funding agency
Records
- minutes of IACUC meetings and semiannual reports maintained for 3 years
- IACUC review documentation maintained for 3 years after end of study
- IACUC review of activities involving animals includes all required information10
3. VETERINARY CARE (See also next section - Veterinary Medical Care)
- institutional arrangement for veterinarian with training or experience in lab animal medicine11
- veterinary access to all animals
- provision for backup veterinary care
- must provide guidance on handling, immobilization, sedation, analgesia, anesthesia, euthanasia
- must provide guidance/oversight on surgery programs and oversight of postsurgical care
- veterinary authority to oversee all aspects of animal care and use
4. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
- institution has established and implemented an effective training program
- includes professional/management/supervisory personnel
- includes animal care personnel
- includes research investigators, instructors, technicians, trainees, students
Training program content
- humane practices of animal care (e.g. housing, husbandry, handling)12
- humane practices of animal use (e.g. research procedures, use of anesthesia, pre- & post-operative care)13
- research/testing methods that minimize numbers necessary to obtain valid results
- research/testing methods that minimize animal pain or distress
- use of hazardous agents, including access to OSHA chemical hazard notices where applicable
5. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PERSONNEL
Institutional program for a safe and healthy workplace
- program is established and implemented
- covers all personnel who work in laboratory animal facilities
- based on hazard identification and risk assessment
- personnel training (e.g. zoonoses, hazards, pregnancy/illness/immunosuppression precautions)
- personal hygiene procedures (e.g., work clothing, eating/drinking/smoking policies)
- procedures for use, storage & disposal of hazardous biologic, chemical, and physical agents
- specific procedures for personnel protection (e.g., shower/change facilities, injury prevention)
Program for medical evaluation and preventive medicine for personnel
- pre-employment evaluation including health history
- immunizations as appropriate (e.g. rabies, tetanus) & tests
- zoonosis surveillance as appropriate (e.g. Q-fever, tularemia, Hantavirus, plague)
- procedures for reporting and treating injuries, including bites, etc.
Special precautions for personnel who work with primates
- tuberculosis screening includes all exposed personnel
- training and implementation of procedures for bites & scratches
- education regarding Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (Herpes B)

Notes:

*A = acceptable; M = minor deficiency; S = significant deficiency (is or may be a threat to animal health or safety)

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