What describes the Institutional Official (IO) and their primary responsibility?

• A. The IO is a veterinarian responsible for performing all animal procedures.
• B. The IO is a senior institutional leader responsible for ensuring compliance with the AWA and PHS Policy and for signing off on IACUC actions and assurances.
• C. The IO is the principal investigator who designs experiments.
• D. The IO is the IACUC chair who approves all day-to-day activities.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the Institutional Official is a senior leader who bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring the institution complies with federal animal care requirements and for signing off on IACUC actions and assurances. This role provides the authority to make sure the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy are followed, and it authorizes the IACUC’s authority and the institution’s assurances. They do not perform procedures as a veterinarian, nor are they the principal investigator who designs experiments, and they are not the IACUC chair handling day-to-day approvals. The IO’s primary duty is governance and accountability for compliance, including endorsing IACUC actions and the institution’s assurances to regulators.