Who is generally given institutional responsibility for deciding if an individual researcher is properly trained to perform animal procedures, as required by law?

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is typically given the institutional responsibility for determining whether researchers are adequately trained to perform animal procedures in compliance with legal and ethical standards. The IACUC plays a crucial role in overseeing and ensuring that all activities involving animal research meet regulatory requirements and uphold humane practices. This includes evaluating the qualifications of researchers and confirming their competency in performing specific animal procedures.

The IACUC's obligations include reviewing training programs and ensuring that personnel are familiar with proper animal handling techniques, care, and welfare issues. Their oversight helps ensure that animal research is conducted ethically and responsibly, aligned with federal regulations and institutional policies.

While supervisors may play a role in assessing their team's training and skills, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with training standards lies within the IACUC, which is specifically established to manage these concerns at the institutional level.