When reporting an IACUC suspension of an animal activity, what should the IACUC do?

In the context of IACUC responsibilities and regulatory compliance, the correct approach after suspending an animal activity is to report the suspension promptly to the Institutional Official (IO), who is then responsible for notifying the appropriate regulatory authorities. This process ensures that all stakeholders are informed in a timely manner, facilitating compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining transparency in institutional practices.

Timely reporting is crucial because it allows for immediate action to be taken regarding animal welfare and ensures that any potential issues surrounding the animal activity are addressed swiftly. This step helps maintain ethical standards and safeguards the institution's integrity and compliance with federal regulations, such as those established by the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy.

In contrast, minimizing disclosure to prevent institutional embarrassment undermines the principles of transparency and accountability that are central to the responsible oversight of animal research. Moreover, delaying notification to regulatory authorities, whether by a week or up to a year, could jeopardize animal welfare and violate compliance with necessary regulations, leading to further ethical and legal implications. Thus, prompt reporting is essential to uphold the standards of animal care and use in research settings.