Which organization is responsible for monitoring compliance with Public Health Service Policy?

Which organization is responsible for monitoring compliance with Public Health Service Policy?

• A. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• B. Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)
• C. National Science Foundation (NSF)
• D. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested is who enforces and oversees adherence to the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) is responsible for monitoring compliance because it administers the PHS Policy for institutions that receive PHS funds. Institutions must have an approved Assurance with OLAW and maintain an active IACUC to review and approve animal use; OLAW conducts ongoing oversight, including semiannual program reviews and potential site visits, to ensure the program meets federal standards. If issues arise, OLAW has authority to take enforcement actions to correct noncompliance. Understanding the roles helps distinguish the others: USDA enforces the Animal Welfare Act for many animals in research, NSF handles other research funding areas and does not administer PHS Policy, and the AVMA is a professional association that provides guidelines rather than enforcement of federal policy.

The main idea tested is who enforces and oversees adherence to the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) is responsible for monitoring compliance because it administers the PHS Policy for institutions that receive PHS funds. Institutions must have an approved Assurance with OLAW and maintain an active IACUC to review and approve animal use; OLAW conducts ongoing oversight, including semiannual program reviews and potential site visits, to ensure the program meets federal standards. If issues arise, OLAW has authority to take enforcement actions to correct noncompliance.

Understanding the roles helps distinguish the others: USDA enforces the Animal Welfare Act for many animals in research, NSF handles other research funding areas and does not administer PHS Policy, and the AVMA is a professional association that provides guidelines rather than enforcement of federal policy.