What is the purpose of an Assurance in the PHS Policy framework?

• A. To document the institution's commitment to comply with the PHS Policy and to secure OLAW approval for vertebrate animal research.
• B. To summarize an institution's annual research expenditures.
• C. To specify vendor qualifications for acquiring animals.
• D. To schedule IACUC meetings and oversight activities.

Answer: (A)

The central idea here is that the Assurance is the formal pledge an institution makes to OLAW to follow the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. It documents the institution’s commitment to compliance and outlines the program for animal care and use, including oversight by the IACUC, veterinary care, staff training, and facility standards. OLAW reviews and approves this Assurance, and that approval enables the institution to receive PHS funding for vertebrate animal research.

It isn’t about summarizing expenditures, vendor qualifications, or scheduling oversight activities—those are separate institutional processes.