Which regulatory body requires detailed three-year (triennial) reviews?

The regulatory body that requires detailed three-year (triennial) reviews is the Public Health Service (PHS). Under PHS policy, institutions conducting research involving vertebrate animals must ensure that the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) conducts a review of the program and facilities at least once every three years. This review process is critical as it serves to evaluate the institution's compliance with PHS policy, assess the care and use of animals, and promote high standards for animal welfare.

PHS emphasizes the importance of these triennial reviews to ensure that facilities maintain acceptable standards of humane care and use of animals in research. This involves a thorough examination of the practices in place, relevant policies, and potentially any emerging best practices in animal care and use that could be adopted. The review also provides an opportunity for institutions to reaffirm their commitment to ethical principles in animal research.

While institutions may also be subject to reviews from other bodies such as USDA, OLAW, or FDA, these do not specifically mandate a triennial review process as outlined by the PHS.