What is the role of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) in a research institution?

• A. To review and approve, require modifications to, or disapprove proposed animal use protocols; oversee the institution's animal care program, conduct semiannual program reviews, and ensure compliance with laws and guidelines.
• B. To manage budgeting for animal facilities.
• C. To authorize personnel to publish research findings.
• D. To issue licenses for laboratory animals.

Answer: (A)

The IACUC is the institutional body that ensures humane, compliant use of animals in research by reviewing and regulating proposed animal use. Its core duties include reviewing and either approving, requiring modifications to, or disapproving proposed animal use protocols, and overseeing the institution’s animal care and use program through ongoing activities such as semiannual program reviews. This structure formalizes how animal research is conducted to meet legal and policy standards, protecting animal welfare and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and guidelines.

Budgeting for animal facilities, authorizing publication of research findings, or issuing licenses for laboratory animals fall outside the IACUC’s mandate. Those functions are handled by different administrative or regulatory pathways.