What actions does the Institutional Official ensure regarding compliance?

• A. Conducts daily welfare checks.
• B. Approves sufficient funding, staffing, facilities, and training; ensures corrective actions are taken and compliance maintained.
• C. Writes all protocol amendments.
• D. Manages vendor contracts.

Answer: (B)

The Institutional Official is responsible for ensuring the program has the resources and oversight needed to stay in compliance with animal welfare laws and policies. This includes approving sufficient funding, staffing, facilities, and training, and making sure that when issues or noncompliance are identified, corrective actions are taken and ongoing compliance is maintained. Daily welfare checks are routine care tasks carried out by staff, not a function of the Institutional Official. Writing all protocol amendments is handled through the protocol and IACUC process, not the IO’s role, and managing vendor contracts falls under procurement or administrative functions rather than the IO’s core duty of ensuring compliance.