Guidance Disclaimer

OLAW welcomes comments on any of its policy guidance. Comments may be emailed to OLAW at: [email protected]  (please insert the title of the specific guidance document in the subject field). All relevant comments will be considered in OLAW decisions on timing and content of revisions to guidance documents, or development of new guidance documents. Comments generally will not result in direct responses from OLAW.

Disclaimer (Updated 8/27/2025):
A guidance document is a statement of general applicability issued by an agency to inform the public of its policies. OLAW is responsible for advising Assured institutions concerning the implementation of the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy Section V.A.3.). OLAW’s oversight authority is derived from statutory and regulatory requirements of Public Law 99-158, Sec. 495, and the PHS Policy. Information provided that is not contained within specific statutory or regulatory requirements represents OLAW’s interpretations for meeting the outcome-based requirements in the PHS Policy. However, an institution may use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the Policy without compromising animal welfare.