Are alternate members specifically addressed within AWAR or PHS Policy?

The correct answer is based on the fact that while alternate members are not explicitly detailed in the Animal Welfare Act Regulations (AWAR) or the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy, there is guidance provided by the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) regarding their role. This guidance helps IACUCs understand the implications and recommendations for including alternate members to ensure that the committees can function effectively and maintain compliance with ethical standards in animal research.

OLAW's guidance suggests that while the regulations do not mandate alternate members, having them can provide an additional layer of oversight and ensure the continuity of the committee's work, especially in cases where regular members may be unavailable. This context is valuable for IACUCs as they navigate their administration and operations in accordance with federal standards.

The other options either imply a level of specificity that is not present in the regulations or suggest that the topic is omitted entirely, which does not accurately reflect the nuances provided by OLAW's guidance.