What must be done regarding significant changes to animal protocols after IACUC approval?

Significant changes to animal protocols after IACUC approval must be reviewed and approved by the IACUC to ensure that the proposed modifications continue to meet ethical, regulatory, and scientific standards. This process is essential as it allows the IACUC to evaluate the potential impacts of the changes on animal welfare, research integrity, and compliance with federal regulations.

When significant changes are made, they might involve alterations in the procedures, the methodology used, or the intended outcomes of the research that could affect the animals involved. Therefore, an additional review by the IACUC is necessary to assess whether the changes maintain the expected parameters of humane treatment and adherence to approved protocols. This level of scrutiny safeguards the animals' welfare and reinforces the integrity of the research process.

The other options suggest processes that either minimize the IACUC's role or allow changes without appropriate oversight, which could result in ethical and compliance risks. Maintaining rigorous oversight through mandatory review of significant changes protects both the animals and the researchers, ensuring that all activities continue to align with established regulatory requirements.