Which federal law requires institutions to establish an IACUC?

• A. The Animal Welfare Act (AWA)
• B. The Lab Animal Research Act
• C. The Animal Research Policy Act
• D. The Health Research Act

Answer: (A)

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is the foundational federal law that mandates institutions to establish an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). This legislation was first enacted in 1966 and has been amended several times to broaden its reach and enforce regulations regarding the humane treatment of animals in research settings. Under the AWA, institutions receiving federal funding for research involving animal subjects must have an IACUC in place to oversee and ensure the ethical treatment and welfare of these animals. The AWA outlines not only the responsibilities and composition of the IACUC but also the requirements for regular reviews of animal care and use protocols, thereby promoting the ethical standards essential for animal research.