The IACUC may suspend an activity only after what condition has been met?

The IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) has specific procedures that must be followed when considering the suspension of an activity involving animal research. A crucial requirement is that a vote of a majority at a convened meeting must take place. This ensures that the decision to suspend an activity is made collectively and is supported by the majority of IACUC members present. The collaborative nature of this process helps to maintain accountability and transparency in the decision-making process, which is fundamental to ethical animal research oversight.

While discussions with the Principal Investigator and documenting facts may be important steps in the process, they are not the definitive actions that enable the IACUC to suspend an activity. Notifying the Institutional Official in writing may be a necessary administrative step following the decision, but it does not replace the requirement for a formal vote. Therefore, the vote at a convened meeting is the keystone action that must be fulfilled for the suspension to be valid and enforceable.