If the IACUC suspends an activity, what is a primary responsibility of the IO?

When the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) suspends an activity involving animal research, one of the primary responsibilities of the Institutional Official (IO) is to review the reasons for the suspension and take corrective actions. This responsibility is crucial because the IO plays a key role in ensuring compliance with the institutional policies and governmental regulations concerning animal welfare.

By reviewing the reasons for the suspension, the IO can assess the issues that led to the IACUC's decision, which may involve violations of protocols, welfare concerns, or non-compliance with ethical guidelines. Taking corrective actions is essential to address any deficiencies or issues identified during the review process. This proactive approach ensures that similar occurrences can be prevented in the future, safeguards the welfare of the animals involved, and maintains the integrity of the research.

The other options focus on different aspects of responsibility relating to funding, decision-making on research protocols, or public communication, which are not the immediate concerns when handling a suspension initiated by the IACUC. The primary focus should remain on rectifying the specific issues that led to the suspension.