| Basis
for Oversight
For Investigators/Instructors using
vertebrate animals, review of the protocol for this use
is required by two federal agencies:
- The United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA)
- The U.S. Public Health Service
(PHS)
The USDA and PHS requirements are
similar but differ in subtle ways, however, PHS rules require
institutions to comply with USDA regulations. Most federal
funding agencies require compliance with PHS policy and
rules, as do many private foundations. Miami maintains a
statement of assurance (Federal Wide Assurance (FWA)) approved
by the PHS and recognized by 17 federal agencies regarding
the treatment of animals. The FWA details how Miami University
will comply with the PHS policy and rules (as well as those
of the USDA). Miami University’s Assurance and USDA
Site Certification numbers are listed on the IACUC home
page.
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| Miami
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC):
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Federal guidelines state
that the University President, or his/her designee, shall
appoint an IACUC consisting of not less than 5 members and
including at least:
- A doctor of veterinary medicine
- A practicing scientist experienced
in research involving animals
- A
member whose primary concerns are in a nonscientific area
(e.g., ethicist, lawyer, clergy)
- An individual who is not affiliated
with the institution in any way other than as a member
of the IACUC, and is not a member of the family of a person
who is affiliated with the institution.
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Functions
of the IACUC
As an agent of the institution, the
IACUC shall:
- review at least once every 6 months
the institution's program for humane care and use of animals
- inspect at least once every 6 months
all of the institution's animal facilities
- prepare reports of the IACUC activities
above
- review concerns involving care
and use of animals
- make recommendations to the institutional
official about any aspect of the animal program, facilities,
or personnel training
- review and approve, require modifications
to, or withhold approval of activities related to the
care and use of animals
- review and approve, require modifications
to, or withhold approval of proposed significant changes
in use of animals in ongoing activities
- be authorized to suspend an activity
involving animal
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