Regarding IACUC meeting attendance, which statement is false?

Regarding IACUC meeting attendance, which statement is false?

• A. Members must attend every meeting to conduct official business
• B. A meeting is valid if a quorum of other members is present
• C. It is important for all IACUC members to attend meetings
• D. The IACUC can meet without the non-affiliated member present

Answer: (A)

The statement that members must attend every meeting to conduct official business is false because it is not a requirement for all members to be present at each meeting for the IACUC to fulfill its obligations. Instead, what is essential is the presence of a quorum, which refers to the minimum number of members required to be present to conduct official business. A quorum is generally defined as a majority of the voting members, ensuring that decisions made during the meeting represent the collective judgment of the committee. Therefore, as long as a quorum is achieved, the meeting can proceed even if some members are absent, making it possible for the IACUC to function effectively despite varying attendance among its members. In practice, it is indeed advantageous for IACUC members to attend meetings to participate in discussions and decision-making, ensuring that various viewpoints are considered, particularly from the non-affiliated member. However, their absence does not invalidate the meeting as long as a quorum remains intact, reinforcing the importance of the quorum rule in IACUC operations.

The statement that members must attend every meeting to conduct official business is false because it is not a requirement for all members to be present at each meeting for the IACUC to fulfill its obligations. Instead, what is essential is the presence of a quorum, which refers to the minimum number of members required to be present to conduct official business.

A quorum is generally defined as a majority of the voting members, ensuring that decisions made during the meeting represent the collective judgment of the committee. Therefore, as long as a quorum is achieved, the meeting can proceed even if some members are absent, making it possible for the IACUC to function effectively despite varying attendance among its members.

In practice, it is indeed advantageous for IACUC members to attend meetings to participate in discussions and decision-making, ensuring that various viewpoints are considered, particularly from the non-affiliated member. However, their absence does not invalidate the meeting as long as a quorum remains intact, reinforcing the importance of the quorum rule in IACUC operations.