The Appendix A of the COGR 2018 Animal Research Survey Report outlines a series of recommended actions aimed at reducing the administrative burden associated with institutional oversight of animal research. Key recommendations include eliminating annual protocol renewals and certain regulatory documentation requirements for non-USDA and non-DOD related research, as well as discontinuing pain and distress classifications for species not covered under the Animal Welfare Act. The document advocates for streamlining review processes, such as defaulting to Designated Member Review over Full Committee Review, and adopting expedited protocol amendment procedures via Veterinary Verification and Consultation. Administrative efficiency could be further achieved through expanding the scope of administrative approvals for minor protocol changes, simplifying and standardizing protocol forms, providing templates and procedure libraries, and replacing detailed duplicative documentation with attestations.
Additionally, the report recommends allowing greater flexibility in reporting animal numbers and post-operative observation times, reducing the frequency of standard operating procedure reviews, and replacing mandatory training seminars with a broader range of instructional options. Other suggestions include using ad hoc consultants for certain inspections, eliminating some literature search requirements, and permitting the consolidation of multiple species and funding sources under a single protocol. The recommendations emphasize standardized veterinary communication, simplification of protocol requirements where possible, and procedural flexibility, all with the aim of maintaining animal welfare and scientific integrity while minimizing unnecessary regulatory and administrative demands on investigators and institutions.
