What does the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) have the authority to do?

What does the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) have the authority to do?

• A. Approve animal care and use protocols
• B. Deny an investigator permission to begin a research project
• C. Stop a previously approved protocol
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

The IACUC has broad authority to oversee all animal use and ensure humane care and compliance. It can approve animal care and use protocols, which is what lets a project proceed if the protocol meets welfare and regulatory standards. It can also deny an investigator permission to begin by withholding approval, meaning the project cannot start until the protocol is revised and approved. If issues arise after approval—such as welfare concerns, noncompliance, or new information—the IACUC can stop or suspend the protocol, halting the work to protect the animals and ensure proper handling and oversight. Because these powers cover approving, withholding approval, and halting approved work, the IACUC can perform all of these actions.

The IACUC has broad authority to oversee all animal use and ensure humane care and compliance. It can approve animal care and use protocols, which is what lets a project proceed if the protocol meets welfare and regulatory standards. It can also deny an investigator permission to begin by withholding approval, meaning the project cannot start until the protocol is revised and approved. If issues arise after approval—such as welfare concerns, noncompliance, or new information—the IACUC can stop or suspend the protocol, halting the work to protect the animals and ensure proper handling and oversight. Because these powers cover approving, withholding approval, and halting approved work, the IACUC can perform all of these actions.