Who is authorized to conduct Post-Approval Monitoring (PAM)?

The correct choice is that all of the listed groups— the IACUC, veterinarians, and animal care personnel—are authorized to conduct Post-Approval Monitoring (PAM). PAM is a critical component of ensuring compliance with the approved animal care and use protocol and the ethical treatment of animals in research.

The IACUC plays a central role in overseeing the entire animal research program and is responsible for ensuring that research adheres to applicable regulations and institutional policies. This includes conducting PAM to monitor and evaluate the ongoing compliance of the research protocols.

Veterinarians also have a significant role in PAM as they ensure the health and welfare of the animals involved in research. Their expertise is crucial in assessing whether the animals are being managed in accordance with the protocol and relevant standards.

Animal care personnel are on the front lines of day-to-day animal care and are directly involved in the management of the animals. Their observations and insights are valuable for monitoring compliance and identifying any potential issues related to animal welfare or protocol adherence.

The combined efforts of the IACUC, veterinarians, and animal care staff ensure robust monitoring systems are in place for animal research, highlighting the collaborative approach necessary for effective PAM.