Policy on Full Committee Review Procedures

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is charged with the review of components of research projects that are related to the care and use of animals. This policy outlines the mechanisms the IACUC uses during a Full Committee Review (FCR) to ensure that projects are in accordance with Public Health Service (PHS) Policy, the Animal Welfare Act/Regulations, and other local, state and federal laws or regulations relating to animals.

Any IACUC member may send a protocol to FCR at a convened meeting with a quorum. Once IACUC deliberation is completed, the IACUC may approve, withhold approval, or require modifications before approval is granted.

If the majority vote requires modifications, the review is completed using one of the following practices:

• FCR: The required modifications are requested and made by the PI and the protocol returns to a convened meeting with a quorum; or
• DMR subsequent to FCR: The quorum of members present at a convened meeting may decide by unanimous decision to use DMR subsequent to FCR when modifications are needed to secure approval. Consequently at least one member of the IACUC, designated by the chairperson and qualified to conduct the review, is assigned to review the protocol. The DMR approves, requires modifications in order to secure approval, or refers the protocol to FCR.