Enforced Self-Regulation
The PHS Policy is based on a concept of enforced self-regulation. Once an institution
has prepared an Animal Welfare Assurance and the Assurance has been approved by
OLAW, the institution is in a position to regulate itself. This concept is described as
enforced self-regulation because if the institution fails to self-regulate, the approval of
the Assurance may be restricted or withdrawn by OLAW.
The concept of enforced self-regulation encompasses:
- institutional commitment through an Assurance;
- the designation of an Institutional Official authorized to assume the obligations imposed by the PHS Policy;
- regular monitoring of the program for animal care and use by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC);
- IACUC review of protocols that involve the use of laboratory animals;
- institutional identification and correction of deficiencies;
- institutional reporting to OLAW;
- performance standards wherever possible; and
- use of professional judgment.
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Table of Contents
Introduction ||
Relevant Documents ||
Terms and Concepts
Animal Program ||
IACUC ||
Reports and Records
Glossary and Resources