Can alternates participate in IACUC activities if their regular member is present?

In IACUC activities, alternates may participate in meetings and discussions when the regular member they are substituting for is present, but there are specific limitations regarding their voting rights. Under the regulations governing IACUCs, alternates are intended to step in for regular members when they are unavailable. However, when the regular member is present, the alternate is typically not allowed to vote.

The primary role of alternates is to ensure that there is continuity and representation in discussions, but the presence of the regular member supersedes the alternate's capacity to affect the decision-making process through a vote. This structure helps maintain a clear delineation of responsibilities and maintains the integrity of the voting process. Hence, while alternates have an important role in discussions and can contribute their insights, their voting privileges remain restricted in the presence of the regular member.