Which organization sets the regulations for the humane care and use of animals in research?

The correct answer is OLAW, which stands for the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare. OLAW is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is responsible for ensuring that institutions complying with Public Health Service (PHS) policy provide humane care and use of animals in research. OLAW establishes guidelines and regulations related to animal welfare, thereby influencing how institutions must operate regarding animal research protocols and ensuring that ethical standards are upheld.

This organization plays a crucial role by not only monitoring compliance with federal regulations but also providing guidance and education on best practices for animal research. Its focus encompasses the implementation of the PHS policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, ensuring that animal welfare considerations are integrated into research practices.

The other options refer to important entities but do not specifically set regulations for animal welfare. The FDA is involved in the regulation of drugs and medical devices, including animal studies related to those products. The PHS provides guidelines related to funding and animal care but does so under the broader authority of OLAW. An Institutional Review Board (IRB) focuses on protecting human subjects in research, rather than animal welfare. Thus, OLAW is specifically designated as the regulatory body for ensuring humane animal care within research settings.