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Education and Training for IACUC Members

New Member Orientation

New IACUC member orientation consists of the following: a description of the IACUC, its composition and responsibilities; federal regulations IACUC resources (AWA, USDA Animal care policies, PHS policy on use of Lab animals, Guide, the 3 R's, AVMA Euthanasia); IACUC protocol review process; Pain categories, personnel training and experience, IACUC member COI, outcomes of IACUC review, periodic review; protocol modifications; semiannual reviews; and eIACUC ARC system navigation training. Documentation of training is maintained through the Orientation and Certification of New IACUC Members (PDF) form.

The objectives of providing this information are the following:

• To introduce members to the role of the IACUC;
• To provide the basic information necessary for IACUC members to conduct their responsibilities; and
• To provide a forum for response to, and discussion of, members' concerns and questions.

All new IACUC members must complete following modules in the AALAS Learning Library within thirty days of joining the Committee:

• Essentials for IACUC Members
• Working with the IACUC-non VA version
• Or Working with the IACUC-VA Version.

Please login to the to complete the above required AALAS module for new IACUC member training. For username and password reset info, please IACUC via email.

Resources

• Information Resources for Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees -  (PDF)
• - free, online course addressing the regulatory requirements for conducting facility inspections. Includes a "virtual" animal facility and inspection tips.
• - checklist to help institutions conduct a thorough semiannual inspection and program review

Continuing Education

Continuing education for IACUC members usually occurs at each IACUC meeting. The objectives of providing ongoing training for IACUC members is to increase their knowledge, understanding, and awareness of current laws and regulations, new directives, best practice guidelines and institutional policies, case studies etc. It also provides a regular forum for the IACUC to discuss concerns or questions brought forth by the faculty, staff or members of the community. Information provided for these sessions will include questions and concerns brought to the attention of the IACUC, official directives, relevant publications, Lab Animal publication discussion, animal facility staff and/or veterinarian's observations/recommendations, issues involving facility inspections and program evaluations, and compliance issues.