The IACUC has approved a new policy for reporting misuse, mistreatment or non compliance of the care and use of animals in research, teaching and testing. Members of the university community are encouraged to report their concerns through normal lines of communication. Anyone may report their concerns anonymously to the Chair of the IACUC (607-255-3749) or through Ethics Point or toll free at 1-866-293-3077. Ethicspoint is an independent organization that serves as a liaison between the University and the person bringing the complaint so that anonymity can be ensured. For a complete document, please visit the IACUC website.
On Feb 26, 2009, the IACUC approved a new Signage policy for animal care and use facilities. This policy outlines the types of signage that can be posted on such facilities, where they will be posted and how they should be physically posted on the facilities. For the complete policy document, please visit the IACUC policy website.
Additional verbiage required on Consent forms
A new, automated AUHSP participant management system was launched on February 26, 2009. This system is designed to eliminate routing of paper Risk evaluation forms and speed the decision making process for the assessment of risk to individuals involved in the care and use of animals. In addition to providing a friendly online user interface for participants to enter their information, the built-in logic will allow an immediate status update based on evaluation of the risk, and will allow easy access to facility managers to access the AUHSP information for individuals that are seeking access to facilities. The database was developed in collaboration between the Office for Research Integrity and Assurance (ORIA), Research Administration Information Systems (RAIS) & Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). For more information, please visit the AUHSP website.
AUHSP update on individuals with indirect contact
The AUHSP Coordinating committee has clarified the policy requirements for the various categories of human participants in the animal care and use program. Specifically, the requirements for enrollment in the program were clarified for CU Staff and students with indirect contact working in labs where animals are used. While Cornell University will make a good faith effort to notify such individuals of the potential risks, the Cornell AUHSP program and their eligibility to enroll in the program, enrollment in the AUHSP program is voluntary. In order to inform these individuals about the AUHSP program, AUHSP posters will be posted conspicuously at the entrances of animal procedure rooms outside the vivaria.
For all other categories of individuals involved with animal care and use, enrollment in the AUHSP database and completion of requirements is mandatory for access to animal facilities. For a detailed description of the policy and enrollment requirements, please visit the AUHSP website.