The PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy) requires that an approved Animal Welfare Assurance be on file with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) at the time of award for all grantee organizations receiving PHS support for research or related activities using live vertebrate animals. Grantee organizations must establish appropriate policies and procedures to ensure the humane care and use of animals, and bear ultimate responsibility for compliance with the PHS Policy in all PHS supported activities.
The PHS Policy incorporates the U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals used in Testing, Research, and Training, and requires the grantee to maintain an animal care and use program based on the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. An Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) appointed by the Chief Executive Officer or designee, is federally mandated to oversee the institution’s animal program, facilities, and procedures (Public Law 99-158, Sec. 495).
The PHS Policy defines “animal” as any live, vertebrate animal used or intended for use in research, research training, experimentation, biological testing or related purposes.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) was established under section 13(b) of the Animal Welfare Act. Act (AWA). Institutions receiving PHS funding for activities involving vertebrate animals is subject to the authority of the AWA and the Health Research Extension Act of 1985. The committee members are appointed by the CEO, or designee (referred to an the Institutional Official (IO)). It shall consist of at least five (5) members, one of whom is the attending veterinarian of the research facility however, if the research facility has more than one Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), another DVM with delegated program responsibility may serve), one practicing scientist with animal research experience, one non-scientist, and one of whom is not affiliated in any way with the facility other than as a member of the community, The research facility shall establish the Committee for the purpose of evaluating the care, treatment, housing, and use of animals, and for certifying compliance with the Act by the research facility.
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
Regulatory Agencies
- Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS)
- Food and Drug Administration
- NIHOLAW
- USDA