Which institutions are required to comply with the PHS Policy?

The statement that institutions accepting PHS funding are required to comply with the PHS Policy is accurate because the PHS (Public Health Service) Policy specifically mandates that any institution receiving PHS funds for research must adhere to its guidelines regarding the care and use of vertebrate animals. This policy aims to ensure humane treatment and ethical standards in research involving animals, promoting responsible and scientifically justified practices that are protective of animal welfare.

While other options mention various aspects of animal research, they do not align with the specific requirements set forth by the PHS. For example, institutions using any animals or specifically vertebrate animals may have their own ethical guidelines and standards, but they are not necessarily obligated to follow the PHS policy unless they are receiving PHS funding. The mention of USDA research funds pertains to different regulations enforced by the Animal Welfare Act, which may require separate compliance but does not substitute for the requirements laid out by the PHS Policy. Therefore, the focus on PHS funding accurately identifies the institutions that must adhere to the specific regulations it establishes.