Animal Regulations

PHS Policy

The Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy) requires PHS-supported institutions maintain an Animal Welfare Assurance to carry out any activities involving live, vertebrate animals. This Assurance sets forth the responsibilities and procedures regarding the care and use of animals, and is applicable to all biomedical research, research training, experimentation, biological testing, and related activities involving live, vertebrate animals conducted at Harvard Medical School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Harvard School of Dental Medicine (collectively the Harvard Longwood Campus), or at another institution as a consequence of the sub-granting or subcontracting of a PHS-conducted or -supported activity by the university. This document demonstrates institutional compliance with PHS Policy, and ensures an program for animal care and use is in place and an IACUC monitors the program.

As outlined in PHS Policy IV.B.1-8, IACUCs must:

  • Review and approve animal use protocols, including significant changes to previously approved protocols;
  • Monitor the animal care and use program, including conducting semiannual program review and facility inspections, and reporting evaluations to the Institutional Official (IO);
  • Review concerns involving the care and use of animals;
  • Make recommendations to the IO on the animal program, facilities, or personnel trainining;
  • Be authorized to suspend previously approved animal use protocols in instances of noncompliance;
  • Evaluate compliance with institutional policies;
  • Report annually and notify regulatory bodies of suspensions and instances of serious noncompliance with PHS policy; and
  • Ensure that personnel working with animals are appropriately trained and qualified.

 

OLAW

The NIH's Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) provides guidance and interpretation of the PHS Policy, supports educational programs, and monitors compliance with the Policy to ensure the humane care and use of animals in research, testing, and training.

This institution's PHS Assurance # is D16-00270.

Image of a group of mice

 

Helpful Links

∙ OLAW Website

∙ Policies and Laws

∙ PHS Policy❗

∙ Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals❗

∙ Notices

∙ FAQs