ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Regulations and Compliance 2

Question 1

What is the role of OLAW (Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare) in regulating animal research?

Accepted Answer

OLAW administers the PHS Policy, negotiates institutional Assurances, reviews reports of non-compliance, and conducts for-cause site visits at PHS-funded institutions

Answer

OLAW administers the PHS Policy on behalf of NIH. It reviews and approves institutional Assurances, investigates reports of non-compliance, conducts site visits when needed, and can restrict or withdraw PHS funding for serious violations.

Question 2

What is the difference between the Animal Welfare Act and the PHS Policy in terms of species coverage?

Accepted Answer

The AWA excludes purpose-bred rats, mice, and birds, while the PHS Policy covers ALL vertebrate animals at funded institutions

Answer

The AWA specifically excludes purpose-bred rats (Rattus), mice (Mus), and birds used in research. The PHS Policy covers all vertebrate animals regardless of species, including those excluded from AWA.

Question 3

What are the consequences for an institution found in non-compliance with animal welfare regulations?

Accepted Answer

Consequences can include fines, suspension of research, loss of funding, AAALAC accreditation jeopardy, and reputational damage

Answer

Non-compliance can result in: USDA fines and citations, suspension of animal activities by IACUC, restriction or loss of PHS funding by OLAW, jeopardized AAALAC accreditation, and significant institutional reputational damage.

Question 4

What must an institution do to maintain its AAALAC accreditation?

Accepted Answer

Submit annual reports, undergo triennial site visits, address any findings, maintain compliance with the Guide, and demonstrate continuous program improvement

Answer

Maintaining AAALAC accreditation requires: annual reports documenting significant program changes, triennial site visits by peer reviewers, addressing any findings or recommendations, maintaining Guide compliance, and demonstrating ongoing program improvement.

Question 5

What regulatory documents should be available for review in a laboratory animal facility at all times?

Accepted Answer

Current IACUC-approved protocols, SOPs, the Guide, AWA regulations, PHS Policy, occupational health program documentation, and training records

Answer

Facilities should have readily available: IACUC-approved protocols (for all active studies), SOPs for all procedures, the Guide (8th edition), AWA regulations and standards, PHS Policy and Assurance, OHSP documentation, training records, and environmental monitoring logs.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Regulations and Compliance 2