Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the Guide and compliance under PHS policy?

• A. The Guide is optional for IACUC review.
• B. Compliance can be achieved without following the Guide.
• C. The Guide and compliance are separate and unrelated.
• D. The Guide is used as the standard for evaluating care; adherence to the Guide is expected for PHS Policy compliance.

Answer: (D)

Under PHS policy, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals provides the standard of humane care that an institution’s animal program is measured against. Compliance means implementing practices that meet that standard, and any deviations must be justified and approved by the IACUC. This is why the Guide is used as the benchmark for evaluating care and adherence to it is expected for PHS Policy compliance.

The other ideas don’t fit because the Guide is not optional for IACUC review, and true compliance cannot be attained without following the Guide or having a justified exception approved. The Guide and compliance are not separate; the Guide directly informs whether an institution meets the policy’s requirements.