Semi-Annual Program Evaluation
Both PHS Policy and the federal Animal Welfare Regulations require that the IACUC review the entire program for humane care and use of animals at least once every six months, using The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals as the basis for evaluation. The program is also evaluated for compliance with UCI's Assurance of Compliance with PHS Policy, AAALAC Program Description, and all federal regulations.
The Semi-Annual Program Evaluation is conducted at an additional meeting of the IACUC in January and July. The following information is used to guide the discussion of the program at this meeting:
- Previous Program Evaluation Report(s)
- Issues brought to the committee's attention during the preceding six months since the last Program Evaluation
- Findings from visits by outside evaluators such as USDA and AAALAC
- Animal Program Review Checklist
IACUC members are free to submit additional agenda items prior to or during the Program Evaluation meeting as well.
The Program Evaluation meeting is designed to be a venue for free and open discussion of the Animal Care and Use Program, in which members are encouraged to evaluate past committee actions, troubleshoot current perceived shortfalls and forecast future issues. A quorum of members is not required for the meeting; however, all members of the IACUC are encouraged to attend and participate.
A report based on the discussions at the Program Evaluation Meeting is generated after the meeting and presented to the IACUC at the next regularly scheduled meeting. Following review and approval by a quorum of the committee at a convened meeting, this report is then sent to the Vice Chancellor for Research and a copy is maintained in the Office of Research Administration. IACUC members that do not agree with the final report may also submit a minority report which is incorporated into the official record.
Adapted from: OLAW/ARENA Institutional Animal Care and Use Guidebook, 2002
