What document oversees the responsibilities of the IACUC within an institution?

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals is a pivotal document that outlines the responsibilities and functions of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) within an institution. This guide provides comprehensive standards for the humane treatment of laboratory animals and emphasizes the ethical principles and regulations necessary for their care and use in research and educational settings. The IACUC is tasked with ensuring that these standards are adhered to within the institution, and the guide serves as a foundational reference for developing the policies and procedures that govern animal research.

While other documents, such as the Animal Welfare Act and USDA Regulations, establish legal frameworks and compliance requirements for animal research, they do not specifically detail the operational responsibilities of the IACUC. Institutional policies and procedures provide more localized guidance but are typically developed in alignment with the principles outlined in the Guide. Therefore, the Guide represents the comprehensive source that shapes how IACUCs function and fulfill their responsibilities within institutions.