Are designated members allowed to withhold approval for a protocol?

Designated members of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) play a crucial role in the review process of animal research protocols. However, they do not possess the authority to unilaterally withhold approval for a protocol. The IACUC operates as a collective decision-making body, which means that the review and approval (or disapproval) process requires consideration from the entire committee.

While individual designated members can express concerns and provide input on the protocol during discussions, the final decision regarding approval must align with the broader consensus of the committee. This ensures that protocols are scrutinized thoroughly and that ethical standards are upheld within the context of animal welfare. Therefore, the idea that designated members can individually withhold approval contradicts the collaborative nature of IACUC's functioning and the administrative guidelines that govern protocol evaluations.