The Health Science Center, as an institution conducting research, teaching, and education using laboratory animals, adheres to Federal regulations as published in the:
The University is accredited to conduct such activities by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International (AAALAC).
The Health Science Center's program for the humane care and use of laboratory animals involves four entities working together to ensure that the University remains in compliance with federal and institutional guidelines and regulations and remains accredited by the regulatory agencies. The four entities are:
As a major biomedical research institution, the Health Science Center values its laboratory animals. Any deficiencies or perceived deficiencies in animal care and treatment should be reported promptly to the Laboratory Animal Resources staff, the Institutional Animal Care Program staff, any DARO or departmental chair, any Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee member, or the University Police. The identity of those filing reports will be kept confidential as required by the Animal Welfare Act. Reports of abuse or misuse of laboratory animals will be investigated immediately by the veterinarians, the IACUC, and if necessary, the University Police.