Office of theProvost

Haverford’s program for animal care and use must adhere to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide) and other commitments in our Assurance with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW). OLAW provides guidance and interpretation of Public Health Service (PHS) policy and monitors compliance with our Assurance.

IACUC’s deliberations are based on:

1. PHS Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
2. The 8th edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
3. the ARENA/OLAW IACUC Guidebook
4. OLAW’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Guidance in OLAW’s answers to FAQs and in the Guide is formulated in “must”, “should” and “may” statements. A performance standard articulated in a “should” statement must be met unless its goal is achieved by a locally-defined and regularly monitored performance measure. A departure from a “must” or “should” statement may only be approved by IACUC on the basis of scientific, veterinary medical, or animal welfare justification.

PHS policy mandates IACUC’s responsibilities to:

1. Review, at least semiannually, our animal care and use program
2. Inspect, at least semiannually, our animal facilities
3. Report evaluations to Haverford’s Institutional Official (IO), Associate Provost Helen White
4. Make recommendations to our IO on any aspect of our animal program, facilities, or personnel training
5. Review proposals submitted for animal use in research and instruction
6. Review proposed significant changes to approved protocols
7. Review animal welfare concerns.

PHS policy also mandates that the IO and IACUC be authorized to suspend animal activity. Policies recommended by IACUC and approved by our IO include: suspension of animal activity and monitoring of cage wash.

IACUC conducts semiannual program reviews and facility inspections, in October and April, using OLAW checklists. Since the program checklist includes a section on Occupational Health and Safety, IACUC is responsible for evaluation of OHS at Haverford as it pertains to animal care and use. In its evaluation, IACUC is guided by our Assurance and the guide Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals.

IACUC’s semiannual reports to our IO describe the nature and extent of Haverford’s compliance with its Assurance; justify any departure from compliance with regulations; distinguish significant deficiencies in our program from minor deficiencies and contain a plan and schedule for their correction. Overall program direction is a responsibility shared by the IO, the Attending Veterinarian and IACUC. Our IO bears ultimate responsibility and ensures alignment of program goals with Haverford’s mission.