What best practice should an IACUC follow when addressing concerns about animal care?

The best practice for an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) when addressing concerns about animal care is to discuss and approve a course of action by a majority vote at a convened meeting. This approach ensures that all committee members have the opportunity to engage in the discussion, express their views, and contribute to the decision-making process. It fosters transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards in the treatment of animals.

Addressing concerns in a formal meeting allows for thorough examination of the issues involved and ensures that the committee adheres to regulations and guidelines, such as those set forth by the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy. A majority vote signifies that the decision reflects a collective agreement from the committee, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the IACUC's responsibilities.

Choosing to make informal decisions via email correspondence may compromise the thoroughness of the review process and could lead to misunderstandings, as not all committee members may be included in the discussion or aware of all aspects of the concern. Similarly, referring concerns directly to the public without proper documentation does not follow established protocols and could lead to misinformation. Delaying action until after the next scheduled meeting may endanger the welfare of the animals involved, as urgent situations should be