The Memorandum of Understanding between the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) and the VA Office of Research Oversight (ORO) was signed on November 21, 2007.

Animal Welfare Checklist  has been updated as follows:

• The checklist has been noted as revised May 7, 2007.
• A.2.b. The checklist item clarifies that the Semi-Annual Report approved by the IACUC majority is then reviewed at a meeting of the Institutional Official (IO), VMO/VMC, IACUC Chair, and one or more research administrators, then signed by the IO indicating he/she reviewed.  The reference is changed to VHA Handbook 1200.7.8.d.(1)(e).

This checklist is provided to assist facilities in ensuring compliance with the regulations and policies.  Please direct questions about the checklist to your ORO Regional Office or to the ORO Chief Veterinary Medical Officer.