Which entity does not require the IACUC to have a scientific member?

The requirement for an IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) to have a scientific member is established to ensure that the committee is able to review research proposals with appropriate expertise. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) enforces regulations under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which mandates that IACUCs include members with relevant scientific or professional backgrounds to critically evaluate animal use and welfare.

On the other hand, the other entities listed—NIH (National Institutes of Health), OLAW (Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare), and PHS (Public Health Service)—all have requirements for scientific members as part of their oversight and funding conditions. These requirements are critical for aligning research practices with ethical standards and scientific validity.

Understanding the specific requirements of regulatory bodies like the USDA helps institutions adhere to legal and ethical standards in their use of laboratory animals. This distinction underscores why the USDA does not require a scientific member for an IACUC, distinguishing it from the other entities that do establish such a requirement.