What is the Institutional Official's role in ensuring resources for humane care?

• A. Approves sufficient funding, staffing, facilities, and training; ensures corrective actions are taken and compliance maintained.
• B. Writes the IACUC protocol.
• C. Conducts daily animal care tasks.
• D. Determines all experimental endpoints.

Answer: (A)

The Institutional Official is responsible for ensuring the institution has the resources needed to support humane care. This means making sure there is enough funding, adequate staffing, proper facilities, and sufficient training so animals are cared for in line with approved standards. The IO also ensures that any problems are addressed through corrective actions and that ongoing regulatory compliance is maintained across the organization. Writing the IACUC protocol is typically the responsibility of the principal investigator with IACUC input, not the Institutional Official. Daily animal care tasks are carried out by trained animal care staff under established protocols, and determining experimental endpoints is part of study design and IACUC-approved protocols, not the IO’s direct role.