PHS institutional Assurance is approved for a maximum of how many years, while USDA registration is updated every how many years?

The rationale behind the correct choice lies in the regulatory timeline established for the Public Health Service (PHS) institutional assurance and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) registration. PHS institutional assurance can be approved for up to a maximum of five years. This ensures that institutions have periodic evaluations of their animal care programs and compliance with the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

On the other hand, USDA registration mandates that it be updated every three years. This ensures that facilities continue to meet the Animal Welfare Act's standards and can adapt to any new regulations or changes in operational status. This distinction is critical for maintaining adherence to appropriate guidelines and standards related to animal welfare.

The other options do not accurately reflect the established timeframes set by PHS and USDA, making them inconsistent with the current regulations in animal research administration.