In addition to the items OLAW committed to clarifying in the report Reducing Administrative Burden for Researchers: Animal Care and Use in Research as part of the 21st Century Cures Act response, OLAW provided Flexibilities for Conducting Semiannual Program Review. The final guidance has now been published in NOT-OD-23-129. Also, be sure to visit the updated Semiannual Program Review webpage on the OLAW website for additional resources, such as an updated Semiannual Program Review and Inspection Checklist!

As part of the 21st Century Cures Act OLAW committed to reviewing and revising the guidance for reporting noncompliance. The proposed revisions are now available for public comment through a Request for Information (RFI). The final guidance will be published along with a new webpage once comments have been considered. OLAW expects institutions to comply with NOT-OD-05-034 until the new guidance is finalized. Visit this OLAW website for more details.

The proposed changes can be found here: NOT-OD-23-063

Comments should be submitted online: Submit Here

Link to USDA Annual Report website now available on the OLAW website

In response to the 21^st Century Cures Act, in 2020, OLAW and the USDA collaborated to harmonize the reporting schedule for Annual Reports for each respective agency.

“Request for Information (RFI) on Flexibilities for Conducting Semiannual Animal Program Review,” is now open and closes on August 01, 2022
We are pleased to announce the release of another joint OLAW and USDA initiative in response to the 21^st Century Cures Act – NOT-OD-22-114, “Request for Information (RFI) on Flexibilities for Conducting Semiannual Animal Program Review.” This RFI can be accessed here and will be closing on August 01, 2022, at 11:59 PM.

The webinar recording and associated resources are now available online

The recording, slides, and transcript from our March 10, 2022, webinar titled “21^st Century Cures Act: Updates and Your Questions Answered” are now available online.

In this webinar, Drs. Patricia Brown (NIH OLAW) and Elizabeth Theodorson (USDA APHIS Animal Care) discuss recent progress the agencies have made in response to the 21^st Century Cures Act. USDA APHIS also announced important news – the discontinuation of teachable moments by October 1, 2022.

Visit this website to view the recording and resources.

OLAW Conversations: "21^st Century Cures Act Community Q and A"
March 31, 2022, from 1:30 – 3:30 PM ET

Do you have questions about the 21^st Century Cures Act initiatives from OLAW and the USDA? Would you like to know more about how to implement flexibilities outlined in recent guidance? Drs. Patricia Brown from OLAW and Elizabeth Theodorson from the USDA will lead this session dedicated to your questions, concerns, and comments!

OLAW Webinar: “21st Century Cures Act - Updates and Your Questions Answered”
March 10, 2022 | 1:00-2:00 PM EST

In this webinar, the speakers will provide updates from the USDA and OLAW on progress in implementing the recommended measures of the 21st Century Cures Act. We also want to hear from you and will answer your questions during this session!

Notice of Clarification issued regarding animal facility inspections for AWA-regulated facilities
Notice replaces the word “program review” with “evaluation”

We have issued NOT-OD-22-048, Notice of Clarification of Reporting Requirements for Animal Welfare Act Regulated Institutions, “Guidance on Flexibilities for Conducting Semiannual Inspections of Animal Facilities” (NOT-OD-21-164).

AWA Research Facility Registration Updates, Reviews, and Reports

On November 24, 2021, the USDA APHIS issued a final rule which will become effective on December 27, 2021, in response to the 21^st Century Cures Act. Specifically, the rule removes the requirements that:

In response to the 21^st Century Cures Act to reduce administrative burden, two new Guide Notices are available. OLAW provides clarification on grant to protocol congruence review in NOT-OD-22-005 and contract to protocol congruence review in NOT-OD-22-006. These Guide Notices clarify: