IACUC Protocol Compliance
There have been instances at USC in which IACUC approved protocols were not followed by laboratory staff members who deviated from approved procedures.
We have a legal and ethical obligation to maintain the well being of animals used for teaching and research purposes. Also, when we identify deviations from approved protocols we are REQUIRED to report the deviations to the National Institutes of Health Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) and in some cases the United States Department of Agriculture. This puts the university at risk for increased scrutiny by funding agencies and the general public. The more we report compliance problems, the greater risk we have in getting a visit from NIH staff, who have the authority to withdraw funds from institutions because of animal welfare compliance problems. For this reason, we are all responsible as principal investigators for finding ways to prevent infractions that may put ALL university research at risk.
All Principal Investigators and laboratory staff members must consider ways in which they can effectively self-regulate laboratory activities using animals. At a minimum, all investigators must remain well aware of the procedures outlined in IACUC-approved protocols and develop mechanisms to help insure that all staff members working with animals are also aware of these procedures and follow them on a daily basis.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this very important matter If you have any qusetions about this, contact the Animal Resources office.