Deficiency Corrections

The Public Health Service [(PHS), PHS policy IV.B.1-8] and the United States Department of Agriculture [(USDA), Title 9, chapter 1, subchapter A-Animal Welfare] mandate that the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) review the institutional program for the humane care and use of animals and inspect the physical facilities, including satellite facilities, study areas, and areas where surgical manipulations are performed, at least once every 6 months. The PHS policies require use of The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and title 9, chapter 1, subchapter A-Animal Welfare, respectively, as standards for evaluation.

A report of the findings of semiannual IACUC program reviews and facility inspections must be reviewed and approved, minority opinions noted, and a reasonable and specific plan and schedule for correction of deficiencies established by the IACUC. A copy of the final reports must be provided to the Institutional Official.

Policy Procedure
Responsibility - It is the responsibility of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to conduct semiannual program reviews and inspections.  It is the responsibility of the IACUC to design a reasonable and specific plan and schedule for correction of deficiencies and to include this information in the report to the Institutional Official (IO). It is the responsibility of the IACUC to assure that deficiency corrections occur within the scheduled plan.

Deficiency Categorization - All deficiencies noted will be categorized as either minor or significant. Significant deficiencies are situations that are or may be a threat to animal health or safety.

Correction Plan - The IACUC will consult with the PI and other involved parties in setting reasonable and specific plans for corrections of all deficiencies. Significant deficiencies should be corrected as soon as possible.  Minor deficiencies, in most circumstances, should be corrected within 1-6 months of the report to the IO. 

Reporting - The IACUC, through the IO, must promptly report to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) any serious or continuing noncompliance with the PHS Policy or any serious deviation from the provisions of the Guide.  The IACUC Coordinator will monitor the progress of deficiency corrections and report this information to the IACUC regularly until all deficiencies have been corrected.