What authority does the Institutional Official (IO) have regarding previously approved animal activities?

The authority of the Institutional Official (IO) allows them to suspend approved animal activities if necessary. This role is crucial in ensuring that the welfare of animals is prioritized and that the institution adheres to federal regulations and ethical standards. In situations where there might be concerns about animal welfare, compliance issues, or violations of established protocols, the IO has the responsibility to take action by suspending the activities until appropriate reviews or resolutions are conducted.

This authority is grounded in the framework established by the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy, which emphasize the importance of maintaining high welfare standards and the need for oversight in animal research. Consequently, it is imperative for the IO to exercise this power judiciously, aligning institutional commitments to the welfare of research animals with regulatory requirements.

Other choices do not accurately depict the scope of the IO's authority. The ability to approve modifications without IACUC consent is not accurate, as significant changes typically require IACUC review to ensure continued compliance with ethical standards. Additionally, while decisions made by the IO are significant, they do not have the power to alter existing IACUC proposals, as the IACUC must review and approve all such changes. Regular consultation with the IACUC is also not mandated for every