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Performing the Program Review

Taken together, the AWRs and PHS Policy require that each IACUC review its institutional program of animal care and use for compliance with the AWRs and PHS Policy.

Of the two components of the semiannual review, the program review can be the more difficult to perform. This is because there are many issues to address, including:
• Occupational health and safety;
• Training for IACUC members, research staff and husbandry staff;
• The institutional disaster plan;
• Sanitation and cleaning practices;
• Surgical support and postoperative analgesia;
• Compliance with approved protocols;
• Procedures for reporting allegations of inappropriate animal care or use; and
• Accessibility to veterinary care during and after typical working hours.

Because there are so many issues to cover during both facilities inspection and program review, many IACUCs use a checklist to guide the evaluation process. A sample checklist is provided by the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) on their website.