Animal Care and Use Training and Certification

PURPOSE:   The University, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and individual investigators share a collective responsibility to ensure that research and instruction involving animals is guided by the highest ethical standards and is conducted in compliance with federal, state and university regulations governing such research. Ongoing education and training in the humane care and use of laboratory animals is a federal requirement. Enhanced oversight by federal regulatory agencies and best practice standards has required actions to strengthen the training components of the animal care and use program. 

REFERENCE:  This training requirement is in accordance with the policies and guidelines set forth in the "Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals", the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals", and the USDA Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations.

PHS Policy, Section IV.C.1.f.Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8^th edition, page 15 AWRs, in Sec. 2.32 (a) and (b)

POLICY: 

Training Requirements for PI’s, Research Staff, Research Students and Animal Care Staff

The IACUC requires all personnel that conduct any research and/or teaching that involves handling, manipulating, or performing procedures on live vertebrate animals, whether in the laboratory or in the field to complete the required training and become certified to use animals. Protocols, modification requests and annual renewals will not be approved until all personnel listed are certified.

Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) is a web-based training program that was developed to provide required information on the humane care and use of lab animals as mandated by federal regulations. Required content depends on the user, the animal species involved and the kind of procedures to be performed.  

Required CITI courses:

Below are the courses that may be required.

• Working with the IACUC: For PI’s, graduate students and/or those submitting protocol applications and anyone with an integral role in the project.  Note-CITI refresher training is required every three years. 
• Species-specific modules (mouse, rat, zebrafish, amphibian, etc...):  Required for all animal users
• Aseptic Surgery:  If performing survival or non-survival surgery in any animal specie
• Antibody Production:  If performing antibody production in any animal specie
• Blood Collection:  If collecting blood from any animal specie
• Reducing Pain and Distress in Laboratory Mice and Rats:  If performing procedures which could cause pain and/or distress in rodents
• Wildlife Research:  If working with wild animals
• Hazardous Agents:  If using any type of hazardous agent

In addition, hands-on training may be required by the IACUC to ensure personnel are proficient in all procedures listed on the protocol application.

Training of research personnel by the PI must be documented and records must be available upon request.

Training Requirements for IACUC Members

New member orientation will be conducted one-on-one with the IACUC Administrator.

 Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) is a web-based training program that was developed to provide required information on the humane care and use of lab animals as mandated by federal regulations.  CITI requirements are as follows:

• Essentials for IACUC Members:  For all IACUC members except Community Members. 
• IACUC Chair:  Only for the Chair of the IACUC
• IACUC Community Members:  Only for IACUC Community Members

Note:  CITI refresher training is required every four years.

Prepared by:  Amy Cooper

Adoption Date:  4/8/14

Amended:   3/19/18

Reference minutes:  4/8/14, 5/7/14, 4/12/18