What accreditation is required by the VA?

The Veterans Affairs (VA) requires that its research facilities obtain accreditation by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC). This accreditation is a recognition of an institution's commitment to the humane and ethical treatment of laboratory animals. It involves comprehensive evaluations that assess compliance with high standards in animal care and use as guided by the Animal Welfare Act and the principles outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

AAALAC accreditation ensures that the institutions are adhering to best practices in animal husbandry, veterinary care, and individualized animal research methodologies. This is crucial for maintaining not only regulatory compliance but also fostering public trust in the integrity of research conducted within the VA. By requiring AAALAC accreditation, the VA demonstrates its commitment to the highest standards of animal care, ensuring ethical research practices while enhancing the quality and credibility of research outcomes.

Other accrediting organizations, such as the American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP) or the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCA), do not focus specifically on laboratory animal care or research but rather on different aspects of clinical practice and education. Therefore, they do not fulfill the same requirements set forth by the VA for animal research facilities. This distinction highlights why AAALAC