What is an 'assurance' number, and who assigns it?

• A. A regulatory fee paid to IACUC.
• B. A unique number assigned by OLAW to institutions as part of its compliance with the PHS Policy.
• C. A license required for animal transport.
• D. A code for IACUC membership.

Answer: (B)

An assurance number is a unique identifier tied to an institution’s commitment to comply with the humane care and use standards for animals in research. It is assigned by the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) as part of meeting the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Institutions that receive PHS funds must submit an Assurance to OLAW; once reviewed and approved, OLAW issues the Assurance number to that institution. This number is used to verify compliance in PHS-funded research and grant activities. It is not a regulatory fee to IACUC, a license for animal transport, or a code for IACUC membership.