Is there a requirement for the AV to pre-review protocols before IACUC submission in non-VA institutions?

In the context of non-VA institutions, the requirement for the Attending Veterinarian (AV) to pre-review protocols before submission to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is indeed optional rather than mandatory. While some institutions may choose to implement a policy that requires pre-review by the AV to ensure that all animal welfare considerations are adequately addressed, it is not a universal requirement across all non-VA institutions.

The flexibility of this process allows institutions to develop their own protocols in alignment with their specific operational needs, resources, and the nature of the research being conducted. Consequently, an AV's involvement prior to submission can vary, reflecting the institutional policies in place rather than a blanket rule that all non-VA institutions must adhere to.

Institutions may have different practices regarding the AV's role, which can lead to a varying degree of oversight before IACUC review, hence reinforcing that the pre-review process is not a defined requirement but rather an optional practice that institutions may implement as they see fit.