How often should the IACUC review the institution's animal care and use program to comply with OLAW?

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is required to review the institution's animal care and use program at least every six months to ensure compliance with the regulations established by the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW). This semi-annual review is crucial for monitoring the welfare of the animals, assessing the institution's adherence to the Animal Welfare Act, and ensuring that protocols are in line with ethical standards and best practices in animal research.

Regular reviews help identify any areas that may need improvement, ensuring that animal care standards are consistently maintained and allowing the institution to address any compliance issues promptly. This frequency is established as a balance that allows for oversight while not being so frequent as to hinder research activities unduly.