Must a non-affiliated member be present for the IACUC to conduct its business?

The presence of a non-affiliated member in IACUC meetings is not a requirement for conducting business like it is for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). While IACUCs often include a non-affiliated member to enhance perspectives and ensure ethical considerations are addressed, regulations do not mandate their presence for the IACUC to function or make decisions. This flexibility allows IACUCs to operate in a manner that suits the specific needs of the institution while still fulfilling their primary responsibilities of oversight and compliance in animal research.

In contrast to IRBs, which are strictly required to have non-affiliated members present to safeguard the rights and welfare of human subjects, IACUCs have more leeway concerning membership composition. Their function emphasizes oversight on animal welfare but does not impose the same structural requirements as IRBs. Thus, the IACUC can conduct its business effectively without a non-affiliated member present.