Review Criteria

ALL research involving vertebrate animal participants (i.e., exploratory, descriptive, and experimental) must be reviewed by the IACUC. If the proposed study has not been completely designed when a research proposal is submitted to a sponsor, provisional approval may be granted. Final approval must be sought when the research plans are complete and before the involvement of animal participants in the project.

Although an IACUC review of research involving non-vertebrate animals is not required, the committee strongly suggests that the spirit of the Animal Welfare Act and other federal guidelines be considered part of the researcher's ethical responsibility. To this end, the IACUC will conduct a Courtesy Review of such proposals at the researcher's request and provide recommendations.

While the ultimate responsibility of conducting research in an ethical manner that complies with federal, state and local regulations rests with the researcher, the IACUC reviewers will seek to determine that (from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1985 — NIH Publication No. 86-23, Appendix D):

Animal transportation, care, and use must comply with the Animal Welfare Act and other applicable federal laws, guidelines, and policies. Procedures involving animals are designed and performed with due consideration of their relevance to animal health, the advancement of knowledge, or the good of society.

The animals selected for a procedure are of an appropriate species and quality and the minimum number required to obtain valid results. Methods such as mathematical models, computer simulations, and in vitro biological systems should be considered.

Proper use of animals, including avoiding and minimizing discomfort, distress, and pain when consistent with sound scientific practices, is imperative. Unless the contrary is established, investigators should consider that procedures that cause pain or distress in humans may cause pain or distress in other animals.

Procedures with animals that may cause more than momentary or slight pain or distress should be performed with appropriate sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia. Surgical or other painful procedures should not be performed on unanesthetized animals paralyzed by chemical agents.

Animals that would otherwise suffer severe or chronic pain or distress that cannot be relieved should be painlessly killed at the end of the procedure or, if appropriate, during the procedure.

The living conditions of animals are appropriate for their species and contribute to their health and comfort.

The investigators and other personnel are appropriately qualified and experienced in conducting procedures on living animals.

Exceptions: No Application Required

Only projects that involve hands-on work with vertebrate specimens that are alive during or immediately before the project require review. Projects that involve non-vertebrate species or non-living vertebrate specimens such as museum specimens, preserved specimens, or other animals that are not euthanized to conduct a project are not subject to review, nor are projects that consist solely of field observations of animals in their natural habitats.

Courtesy Reviews

In the case of a project that does not require a review as described in the previous section on 'Exceptions', but where the researcher desires the input of the IACUC, the researcher should complete the application and be sure to request a 'Courtesy Review' on the Application for Approval. Such reviews will be treated in the same fashion as the Expedited Reviews described below.

Expedited Reviews of Teaching/Classroom-Based Use of Animals

Abbreviated reviews (turnaround times of 1 to 2 weeks) are possible for classroom-initiated research and demonstrations in which animals will be used for a relatively short period of time. The results of such research must not be distributed outside the classroom and institutional setting. It is wise to have a Full Committee Review if in doubt because the IACUC cannot give post facto approval. In the case of an Expedited Review, the chairperson of the IACUC chooses a limited number of members to review the proposal by email. If the limited group of reviewers have significant concerns, a Full Committee Review may be warranted. Informal consultation with the IACUC chairperson may help the applicant figure out the best review type to request.

Full Committee Review

All proposals that do not fall into the Expedited Review category will be reviewed by the entire IACUC. Please allow one month for Full Committee Review and subsequent notification.

Continuing Review

In its initial proposal review, the IACUC will consider the extent of continuing review needed. All proposals shall be reviewed annually, but in particular research, the participants are exposed to more than usual risk; such proposals may be reviewed at more frequent intervals appropriate to the research. This review interval will be determined when the research is approved and may be changed at the discretion of the IACUC. In each such review, the principal investigator will be required to promptly report the status of the research activity and any proposed changes in the research activity. If the research is still in progress, the investigator will affirm that the approved research protocol involving animal participants is being followed.