Review of Reported Animal Care and Use Concerns (IACUC)

Purpose

Boston University (BU) is committed to observing federal policies and regulations and the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International standards for the humane care and use of animals. The intent of this policy is to describe the process for reviewing reported concerns or non-compliance related to the care and use of live vertebrate animals at BU.

Covered Parties

This policy is applicable to all persons responsible for conducting research, teaching, training, breeding, and related activities, hereinafter referred to collectively as “activities,” involving live vertebrate animals conducted at or under the auspices of Boston University.

University Policy

The IACUC must review and resolve any reported concerns related to activities involving the care and use of live vertebrate animals to ensure that animals are used appropriately and receive humane care and treatment in accordance with all regulatory requirements and BU policies. All verbal or written notices of concern (hereinafter referred to as reports) relating to the BU Animal Care and Use Program submitted to the IACUC are routed to the Animal Welfare Program (AWP).  Reports may also be sent anonymously through EthicsPoint.

Review Process

The AWP will perform a preliminary assessment of all reports to determine if an investigation will be initiated and when warranted, an investigation will proceed immediately. Investigations may involve the participation of IACUC members, Animal Science Center (ASC) staff, consultants or others. When an investigation is initiated, the AWP will inform the Principal Investigator (PI) of the protocol for which the concern was raised if applicable. Additional named personnel in the protocol may also be contacted when warranted.

The AWP will notify the IACUC of all investigations of reports and will keep the IACUC informed on the progress of the investigation. Upon completion, the AWP will present the results of the investigation and all recommendations, including sanctions or corrective action, to the IACUC at a regularly scheduled meeting for review and approval. After approval, the recommendations will be communicated to the PI and forwarded to the Institutional Official.

Record Retention

All records related to these reports will be maintained by the AWP for a period of at least 3 years.

Reporting

All information obtained from individual reporting, as well as the information obtained during an investigation, will be maintained confidential to the extent possible. Concerns may be submitted to any of the individuals listed below. When these individuals receive concerns, they are responsible for presenting such concerns to the AWP.

Contact Information

Reports may also be sent anonymously through EthicsPoint. Concerns may also be reported using the Reporting Concerns function in Huron Research Suite IACUC software.

Responsible Parties

Principal Investigators are responsible for: preparing and submitting applications; making modifications in applications in order secure IACUC approval; ensuring adherence to approved protocols; ensuring that all personnel have completed required training; and reporting any adverse events to the IACUC.

The Animal Welfare Program and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee are responsible for overseeing implementation of and ensuring compliance with this policy.

The Attending Veterinarian has been delegated authority to implement BU’s veterinary care program, and to oversee the adequacy of all other aspects of animal care and use.

The Institutional Official is the individual that has the administrative and operational authority to commit institutional resources to ensure compliance with the regulations that govern the University’s Animal Care and Use program.

Related Policies and References

Animal Welfare Act

Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Eighth Edition

Obligation to Report and “Whistleblower” Protection

History

Effective Date: 02/06/2024
Next Review Date: 02/05/2027