What must the IACUC do if a majority of a quorum votes to suspend research activities?

When a majority of a quorum votes to suspend research activities, it is crucial for the IACUC to report the suspension to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW). This is a regulatory requirement, as OLAW oversees compliance with animal welfare regulations under the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy. Such a report ensures transparency and accountability in research practices involving animal subjects and allows OLAW to be informed about any significant changes or concerns regarding animal welfare.

The decision to suspend research does not mandate an immediate drafting of a new protocol, as that action would depend on further evaluation and discussions regarding the reason for the suspension. Similarly, while it's important to inform stakeholders about the decision and summarize it in reports, these actions are secondary to the regulatory obligation of reporting the suspension to OLAW. Thus, prioritizing compliance with regulatory standards by reporting to OLAW is critical in this scenario.