Can any veterinarian serve on the IACUC?

The correct answer highlights the requirement that a veterinarian serving on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) must have authority in the animal care program. This is essential because a veterinarian's role in the IACUC goes beyond mere licensing; they need to possess a thorough understanding of the institution's animal care policies, regulations, and the welfare of the animals involved in research.

Having authority in the animal care program ensures that the veterinarian can effectively contribute to discussions and decisions about animal care, treatment, and the ethical considerations related to the use of animals in research. This authority often comes from their professional responsibilities within the institution, which makes them instrumental in ensuring compliance with applicable laws and guidelines, such as the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy.

Other options do not fulfill these critical requirements. For instance, merely having any licensed veterinarian serve could lead to a lack of necessary oversight and expertise in animal welfare within the specific program needs. Similarly, limiting membership to those with research experience or only government veterinarians restricts the pool of qualified individuals and does not adequately represent the broad expertise needed for effective committee function.