Which of the following must be part of the corrective action plan for deficiencies?

A clear and specific plan for addressing deficiencies is essential in a corrective action plan because it provides a structured approach to rectify identified issues. This plan ensures that there are well-defined steps that can be followed to bring the institution or program back into compliance with regulations and standards governing animal welfare in research.

Such clarity is vital for accountability and facilitates tracking progress in correcting the deficiencies. It serves not only to minimize risks associated with continued non-compliance but also to demonstrate to regulators, stakeholders, and institutional leadership that necessary improvements are being actively pursued. Having a specific plan also helps ensure that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities during the corrective process.

In contrast, while maintaining research funding is important, it is not a core component of the corrective action plan itself. Feedback from animal care staff is valuable for understanding on-the-ground operational challenges and could strengthen the plan, but it is not a fundamental requirement. Similarly, seeking approval only from outside investigators does not address the internal need for a robust action plan directed at immediate corrective measures. Hence, the necessity for a well-defined and specific corrective action aligns with best practices in institutional compliance and animal welfare oversight.