The document summarizes institutional responses to proposed streamlining measures for animal research oversight, particularly pertaining to Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC). Significant support was observed for proposals aiming to reduce administrative burdens, such as expanding administrative approval authority for minor protocol changes (93% implemented), adopting expediting protocol amendments via Veterinary Verification and Consultation (77% implemented), and simplifying protocol forms (48% implemented, 13% planning to implement). There was also considerable implementation of standardized veterinary review practices (75%), reviewing standard operating procedures less frequently based on risk (78%), and accepting simple attestations for non-duplication of protocols (67%).
Conversely, several proposals received less support or were predominantly not implemented, including eliminating annual protocol renewals for non-USDA, non-DOD species (47% implemented), discontinuing USDA pain and distress classifications for non-regulated species (15% implemented), and allowing approximate animal numbers or time ranges in protocols (44% and 6% implemented, respectively). Notably, requirements for certain literature searches, protocol re-writes, and alternative use of ad hoc consultants during inspections also showed low rates of implementation. Institutionally, just over half offer template language for protocols, while fewer provide procedural libraries. Overall, the data reflect a cautious but positive trend towards measures that enhance efficiency while maintaining regulatory compliance and animal welfare standards.
