Which of the following is NOT required when filing a PHS Institutional Assurance?

When filing a PHS Institutional Assurance, certain elements are specified as necessary to ensure compliance with the Public Health Service (PHS) policies regarding the care and use of animals in research. The correct answer highlights that the number of covered species used annually is not a mandatory component of the Institutional Assurance filing.

The PHS Institutional Assurance focuses primarily on the commitment of the institution to comply with federal regulations regarding animal care. Required elements typically include evidence of a functioning IACUC, such as the IACUC member roster to establish the composition and expertise of the committee, and the lines of authority, which clarify the structure of responsibilities within the institution. Additionally, documentation of facility inspections is also required to verify that animal care facilities meet established standards.

While understanding the number of covered species used annually is important for institutional record-keeping and ethical considerations, it is not a formal requirement in the PHS Institutional Assurance documentation. This highlights the distinction between what is necessary for regulatory compliance versus what may be beneficial for internal use or reporting.