What happens if an IACUC is not properly constituted?

If an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is not properly constituted, it cannot conduct official business. A properly constituted IACUC is essential as it ensures that the committee has the required membership, including a veterinarian and other members with diverse backgrounds, to effectively review and oversee animal research protocols. Without meeting these requirements, the integrity of the committee's reviews and decisions could be compromised.

Operating without proper constitution undermines the ethical and regulatory standards set forth by oversight bodies. The IACUC plays a critical role in ensuring that animal welfare policies are upheld. If the committee cannot be constituted according to these regulations, any decisions made regarding animal care or use would lack validity and could potentially lead to violations of federal guidelines and institutional policies.

Therefore, the inability to conduct official business signifies a significant lapse in compliance and oversight, which is critical for protecting animal subjects in research.