Intent

The intent of this policy is to provide a means by which investigators from other site-related consortial institutions can use the Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy(NEOUCOM/COP) Comparative Medicine Unit (CMU) on a temporary basis for procedures that are part of a larger project conducted at the investigator's home institution.  The procedures would be conducted at NEOUCOM/COP generally because facilities to carry out the activity do not exist at the investigator's home institution or because performance of the procedure at NEOUCOM/COP is in the best interest of the animal's welfare.  Specific examples include the taking of radiographs and the conduct of survival surgical procedures.  

Policy

In order for an investigator from another consortial institution to utilize the facilities of the CMU under the conditions identified below he/she must:

1.       Submit to the CMU Director a memorandum requesting the use of the facility and including a description of what is to be performed and the date of the procedure.

2.       Provide a copy of the respective institution's approved animal use protocol under which the animals are used and which describes the use of the NEOUCOM/COP facility.

Upon receipt of the request the Director will notify the IACUC Chairman and after consultation with the Chairman notify the investigator of their decision.  Unusual circumstances may require IACUC review and the IACUC reserves the right to deny requests for just cause.  Under emergency conditions to protect the welfare of any animals involved, the CMU Director may authorize a verbal request to use the CMU facility.

Limitations

This policy is limited to:

1.       Those consortial institutions for which NEOUCOM/COP is identified as a site by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  At the present time NEOUCOM/COP is listed as a site of Akron General Medical Center, Kent State University, and the Summa Health System.

2.       Those institutions for which the NEOUCOM/COP veterinarian serves as the attending veterinarian.

3.       Activities in which the animals involved are expected to be returned to their home facility the same day (i.e., no housing beyond 24 hours). 

Exclusions

This policy does not apply to:

1.       The acquisition of animals nor the simple housing of animals for the above mentioned institutions.  These situations are handled administratively by the CMU office with CMU Director approval and with due consideration for the health status of the animals.  The CMU maintains a copy of the approved protocol from the institutions for which these animals are maintained or acquired.

2.       Projects involving prolonged housing of animals and which involve actual animal use procedures (e.g., blood collection, surgery, treatment, etc.).  A complete animal use protocol must be submitted to, and approved by, the NEOUCOM/COP IACUC before such projects can take place.

IACUC.SOP.Approved-02/00