Semiannual Facility Inspections

Health Research Extension Act of 1985 Sec. 495 (b)(3)(A): "Each animal care committee of a research entity shall review the care and treatment of animals in animal study areas and facilities of the research entity at least semiannually to evaluate compliance with applicable guidelines established under subsection (a) for appropriate animal care and treatment;"

PHS Policy IV.A.2.: "Each institution must assure that its program and facilities are in one of the following categories:

Category 1 - Accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC). All of the institution's programs and facilities (including satellite facilities) for activities involving animals have been evaluated and accredited by AAALAC, or another accrediting body recognized by the PHS.⁴  All of the institution's programs and facilities (including satellite facilities) for activities involving animals have also been evaluated by the IACUC and will be reevaluated by the IACUC at least once every six months, in accordance with IV.B.1. and 2. of this Policy, and reports prepared in accordance with IV.B.3. of this Policy.

Category 2 - Evaluated by the Institution. All of the institution's programs and facilities (including satellite facilities) for activities involving animals have been evaluated by the IACUC. These programs and facilities will be reevaluated by the IACUC at least once every six months, in accordance with IV.B.1. and 2. of this Policy, and reports will be prepared in accordance with IV.B.3. of this Policy. The most recent semiannual report of the IACUC evaluation shall be submitted to OLAW with the Assurance.​"

PHS Policy IV.B.: "As an agent of the institution, the IACUC shall with respect to PHS-conducted or supported activities:

2. inspect at least once every six months all of the institution's animal facilities (including satellite facilities) using the Guide as a basis for evaluation;

3. prepare reports of the IACUC evaluations conducted as required by IV.B.1. and 2. of this Policy, and submit the reports to the Institutional Official; ⁸ "

Definitions

PHS Policy III.B.: "Animal Facility - Any and all buildings, rooms, areas, enclosures, or vehicles, including satellite facilities, used for animal confinement, transport, maintenance, breeding, or experiments inclusive of surgical manipulation. A satellite facility is any containment outside of a core facility or centrally designated or managed area in which animals are housed for more than 24 hours."