Definitions for "Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee"
Monitors care and use of animals in laboratory and research programs of a organization to assure that animals are treated humanely in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
A committee that screens proposals for research using animal subjects and monitors institutional animal-care facilities to assure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws governing animal care and use.
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is mandated under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Health Research Extension Act (HREA). The IACUC is charged under the AWA with representing "….society's concerns regarding the welfare of animal subjects …". The CEO is charged with appointing an IACUC but may delegate this authority to a senior administrator. The IACUC reports to the IO. The IACUC is required to perform semiannual program evaluations as a means of overseeing the animal care and use program. The IACUC reviews and approves animal use protocols. Its decision to withhold approval may not be overruled by the IO. It is also authorized to investigate concerns involving the care and use of animals and has the authority to suspend an activity involving animals if it determines that the activity is not being conducted in accordance with a description of the activity approved by the IACUC.