IACUC Policy on Approved Animal Care and Use Protocol Signatures

Purpose:

In order to comply with government regulations (PHS and USDA) and AAALAC-i, UConn Health’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) has implemented a policy requiring signatures on all approved animal care and use protocols.

Action:

1. The final approved copy of an animal care and use protocol and animal safety protocols must be read by all individuals listed on the protocol.  In addition, all individuals listed on the protocol must sign off that they have read the protocol, understand the protocol, and will follow the protocol.

2. This can be done in any way determined by the laboratory.  The protocols can be printed out and the hard copy signed by all individuals.  Or the protocols can remain electronic with a “sign-off sheet” signed by all individuals.

3. Should the PI choose to print out the protocol, the signed protocol must be maintained in the laboratory and presented to the IACUC upon request.

4. Should the PI choose to use “sign-off sheets” to document that individuals have read the animal protocols, these “sign-off sheets” must be maintained in the laboratory and presented to the IACUC upon request.

5. Animal safety protocols (chemical, biological, and/or combination) must be printed out and signed and placed in the PI laboratory where everyone can have access to it.  The IACUC will print out copies and put into the appropriate safety binder in the containment rooms when protocols are approved and/or when safety protocols are updated.

 

The policy has been approved by a majority vote of the IACUC members.

 

Effective Dates:    December 5, 2024 through December 31, 2027